Strain gauge and multi-axis force sensor

ABSTRACT

Suppress a measurement error due to a change in an ambient temperature, in a strain gage for a multi-axis force sensor. The base member 121 has a sensitive area 121s configured to be attached to a flexure area of a flexure member and a non-sensitive area 121n1, 121n2 configured to be arranged outside of the flexure area, the flexure area being configured to be strained under a load; a first Wheatstone bridge circuit BC11 configured to detect a load applied to the flexure member in a first direction is constructed by a first-direction strain sensitive element X11, X12 and a first-direction fixed resistance element RX11, RX12; a second Wheatstone bridge circuit BC12 configured to detect a load applied to the flexure member in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction is constructed by a second-direction strain sensitive element Y11, Y12 and a second-direction fixed resistance element RY11, RY12; the first-direction strain sensitive element and the second-direction strain sensitive element are formed in the sensitive area and the first-direction fixed resistance element or the second-direction fixed resistance element is formed in the non-sensitive area and is formed of a material same as a material of the strain sensitive element.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a strain gage and a multi-axis (multiaxial, multiple axis) force sensor including the strain gage.

BACKGROUND ART

Multi-axis force sensors including a strain gage are widely utilized in robots, game devices, various measuring devices, and other devices. Patent Literatures 1 and 2 disclose examples of multi-axis force sensors including a strain gage.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2010-164495

Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent No. 5,008,188, publication

SUMMARY Technical Problem

A multi-axis force sensor including a strain gage is recognized to have (involve) a measurement error due to a change in ambient temperature. Hence, it is desired to suppress such an error.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a strain gage wherein a measuring error due to a change in ambient temperature is suppressed, and a multi-axis force sensor including the strain gage.

Solution to the Problem

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a strain gage configured to be attached to a flexure member so as to be used in a detection of a load applied to the flexure member in a first direction with a first Wheatstone bridge circuit and a detection of a load applied to the flexure member in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction with a second Wheatstone bridge circuit, the flexure member being configured to be strained under a load, the strain gage including:

a base member; and

a circuit pattern formed on the base member,

wherein the base member has a sensitive area configured to be attached to a flexure area of the flexure member and a non-sensitive area configured to be arranged outside of the flexure area, the flexure area being configured to be strained under the load;

the circuit pattern includes two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements configured to construct the first Wheatstone bridge circuit, two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements configured to construct the second Wheatstone bridge circuit, and at least one of a first-direction fixed resistance element configured to construct the first Wheatstone bridge circuit and a second-direction fixed resistance element configured to construct the second Wheatstone bridge circuit;

the two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements, the two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements, and the at least one of the first-direction fixed resistance element and the second-direction fixed resistance element are formed of a same material; and

the two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements and the two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements are formed in the sensitive area, and the at least one of the first-direction fixed resistance element and the second-direction fixed resistance element is formed in the non-sensitive area.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a strain gage configured to be attached to a flexure member so as to be used in a detection of a load applied to the flexure member in a first direction with a first Wheatstone bridge circuit and detect a load applied to the flexure member in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction with a second Wheatstone bridge circuit, the flexure member being configured to be strained under a load, the strain gage including:

a base member having a flexibility; and

a circuit pattern formed on the base member,

wherein the base member has a sensitive area configured to be attached to a flexure area of the flexure member, a non-sensitive area configured to be arranged outside of the flexure area, and a connecting area configured to connect the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area, the flexure area being configured to be strained under the load;

a size of the connection area in an orthogonal direction is smaller than sizes of the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area in the orthogonal direction, the orthogonal direction being orthogonal to a direction along which the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area are connected;

the circuit pattern includes two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements configured to construct the first Wheatstone bridge circuit, two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements configured to construct the second Wheatstone bridge circuit, and at least one of a first-direction fixed resistance element configured to construct the first Wheatstone bridge circuit and a second-direction fixed resistance element configured to construct the second Wheatstone bridge circuit;

the two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements, the two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements, and the at least one of the first-direction fixed resistance element and the second-direction fixed resistance element are formed of a same material;

the two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements and the two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements are formed in the sensitive area; and

the at least one of the first-direction fixed resistance element and the second-direction fixed resistance element is formed in the non-sensitive area.

In the strain gage according to the first and second aspects, the circuit pattern may include two pieces of first-direction fixed resistance elements configured to construct the first Wheatstone bridge circuit and two pieces of second-direction fixed resistance elements configured to construct the second Wheatstone bridge circuit;

the two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements, the two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements, the two pieces of first-direction fixed resistance elements and the two pieces of second-direction fixed resistance elements may be formed of the same material; and the two pieces of first-direction fixed resistance elements and the two pieces of second-direction fixed resistance elements may be formed in the non-sensitive area.

In the strain gage according to the first and second aspects, the circuit pattern may further include at least one terminal that may be formed in the non-sensitive area.

In the strain gage according to the first and second aspects, in the non-sensitive area, the at least one terminal may be provided on an opposite side of the at least one of the first-direction fixed resistance element and the second-direction fixed resistance element from the sensitive area.

In the strain gage according to the first and second aspects, the non-sensitive area may be a pair of areas provided on both sides of the sensitive area.

In the strain gage according to the first and second aspects, the circuit pattern may further include two pieces of third-direction strain sensitive elements or two pieces of third-direction fixed resistance elements; and the two pieces of third-direction strain sensitive elements or the two pieces of third-direction fixed resistance elements may be configured to connect the first and second Wheatstone bridge circuits so as to construct a third Wheatstone bridge circuit.

In the strain gage according to the first aspect, the base member may have flexibility;

the base member may further have a connecting area configured to connect the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area; and

a size of the connecting area in an orthogonal direction may be smaller than sizes of the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area in the orthogonal direction, the orthogonal direction being orthogonal to a direction along which the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area are connected.

The strain gage according to the first aspect may be further configured to be used in a detection of a load applied to the flexure member in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions with a third Wheatstone bridge circuit.

Further, in the strain gage according to the first aspect, the base member may have flexibility;

the non-sensitive area of the base member may be a pair of areas;

the base member may further have a connecting area configured to connect the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area;

a size of the connecting area in an orthogonal direction may be smaller than sizes of the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area in the orthogonal direction, the orthogonal direction being orthogonal to a direction along which the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area are connected;

the circuit pattern may include two pieces of third-direction strain sensitive elements which is formed in the sensitive area and which is configured to construct the third Wheatstone bridge circuit, two pieces of first-direction fixed resistance elements which is formed in the non-sensitive area and which is configured to construct the first Wheatstone bridge circuit, and two pieces of second-direction fixed resistance elements which is formed in the non-sensitive area and which is configured to construct the second Wheatstone bridge circuit;

the two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements, the two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements, the two pieces of third-direction strain sensitive elements, the two pieces of first-direction fixed resistance elements and the two pieces of second-direction fixed resistance elements may be formed of the same material; and

the two pieces of third-direction strain sensitive elements may be configured to connect the first and second Wheatstone bridge circuits so as to construct the third Wheatstone bridge circuit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-axis force sensor including:

a flexure plate;

a load receiving part connected to the flexure plate; and

the strain gage of the first or second aspect attached to the flexure plate.

In the multiaxial force sensor according to the third aspect, the non-sensitive area of the base member of the strain gage may be attached to a side surface of the flexure plate.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a strain gage configured to be attached to a flexure member so as to be used in a detection of a load applied to the flexure member in a first direction with a first Wheatstone bridge circuit, a detection of a load applied to the flexure member in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction with a second Wheatstone bridge circuit and, a detection of a load applied to the flexure member in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions with a third Wheatstone bridge circuit, the flexure member being configured to be strained under a load, the strain gage including:

a base member having a flexibility; and

a circuit pattern formed on the base member,

wherein the base member has a sensitive area configured to be attached to a flexure area of the flexure member and a pair of non-sensitive areas configured to be arranged outside of the flexure area, and a connection area configured to connect the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area, the flexure area being configured to be strained under the load;

a size of the connection area in an orthogonal direction is smaller than sizes of the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area in the orthogonal direction, the orthogonal direction being orthogonal to a direction along which the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area are connected;

the circuit pattern includes two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements configured to construct the first Wheatstone bridge circuit, two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements configured to construct the second Wheatstone bridge circuit, two pieces of third-direction strain sensitive elements configured to construct the third Wheatstone bridge circuit, two pieces of first-direction fixed resistance elements configured to construct the first Wheatstone bridge circuit, and two pieces of second-direction fixed resistance elements configured to construct the second Wheatstone bridge circuit;

the first-direction strain sensitive element, the second-direction strain sensitive element, the third-direction strain sensitive element, the first-direction fixed resistance element and the second-direction fixed resistance element are formed of a same material;

the first-direction strain sensitive element, the second-direction strain sensitive element and the third-direction strain sensitive element are formed in the sensitive area;

the first-direction fixed resistance element and the second-direction fixed resistance element are formed in the non-sensitive area; and

the third-direction strain sensitive element is configured to connect the first and second Wheatstone bridge circuits so as to construct the third Wheatstone bridge circuit.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a triaxial force sensor including:

the strain gage of the fourth aspect;

the flexure member having a plate-shape; and

a load receiving part connected to the flexure member.

The triaxial force sensor according to the fifth aspect may further includes a peripheral wall which upstands from a circumferential edge of a first surface of the flexure member in the third direction, the first surface being opposite to a second surface of the flexure member to which the load receiving part is connected, and

wherein the non-sensitive area may be attached to an inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall.

Effect of the Invention

In the strain gage and the multi-axis force sensor including the strain gage according to the present invention, any occurrence of a measuring error due to the change in ambient temperature is suppressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a wiring pattern of a strain gage according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram corresponding to the wiring pattern of the strain gage of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are illustrative views depicting a situation of measurement performed with a triaxial force sensor according to each embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a modification of the wiring pattern of the strain gage according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a triaxial force sensor according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the triaxial force sensor depicted in FIG. 5 taken along a Y-Z plane including an axis A2.

FIG. 7 depicts a wiring pattern of the strain gage according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram corresponding to the wiring pattern of the strain gage of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 depicts another example of wiring pattern of the strain gage according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic pen having applied thereto a triaxial force sensor according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the triaxial force sensor according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the triaxial force sensor depicted in FIG. 11 taken along a y-z plane including an axis A3.

FIG. 13 depicts a wiring pattern of a strain gage according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a circuit diagram corresponding to the wiring pattern of the strain gage depicted in FIG. 13.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

An explanation will be given about a strain gage and a multi-axis force sensor of a first embodiment of the present invention, referring to a strain gage 120 and a triaxial force sensor 1000 to which the strain gage 120 is applied as examples thereof, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

FIG. 1 depicts a state before the strain gage 120 is provided on or attached to a flexure plate (a strain plate) 111 of the triaxial force sensor 1000 (see FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b)). As depicted in FIG. 1, the strain gage 120 includes a rectangular base member (base material) 121, and a circuit pattern CP1 printed on a surface of the base member 121. The base member 121 has a sensitive area 121 s, and non-sensitive areas 121 n 1 and 121 n 2 interposing or sandwiching the sensitive area 121 s therebetween. The circuit pattern CP1 includes six strain sensitive elements X₁₁, X₁₂, Y₁₁, Y₁₂, Z₁₁, and Z₁₂, four fixed resistance elements RX₁₁, RX₁₂, RY₁₁, and RY₁₂, eight terminals T₁₁ to T₁₈, and a wire W1 connecting those elements (members). Note that in the explanation of the first embodiment, in the strain gage 120 and the triaxial force sensor 1000 including the strain gage 120, a direction y (second direction) refers to a direction in which the non-sensitive areas 121 n 1 and 121 n 2 sandwich the sensitive area 121 s therebetween, whereas a direction x (first direction) refers to a direction orthogonal to the direction y on the surface of the base member 121. Further, a direction z (third direction) refers to the direction of an axis orthogonal to the direction x and the direction y.

Here, in the triaxial force sensor 1000 depicted in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), the flexure plate 111 is shaped in a circular plate or a disc which is strained (distorted) in a case of receiving, via a load receiving part (a load applied part) 112, a load applied from outside onto the triaxial force sensor 1000. The strain of the flexure plate 111 is generated or arises on the front and back surfaces of the flexure plate 111 (the upper and lower surfaces orthogonal to the direction z), but does not arise or is small enough to be neglectable on the lateral surface of the flexure plate 111 (the circumferential surface parallel to the direction z). In this specification, the term “flexure area (strain area)” is used to refer to an area, in the flexure plate 111, which is strained by receiving an external load, such as the front and back surfaces of the flexure plate 111 in the first embodiment. The diameter and the thickness of the flexure plate 111 is arbitrary.

The load receiving part 112 upstands, from a central part of the front surface of the flexure plate 111, in a direction of a rotating axis A1 of the flexure plate 111 (in the direction z). The load receiving part 112 is a part which receives a load from outside and thereby moves so as to generate a strain in the flexure plate 111, and which is, for example, a prism (square rod) having a square-shaped cross section. The load receiving part 112 is provided on the front surface of the flexure plate 111 such that the central axis of the prism is coincident with the rotating axis A1 of the flexure plate 111, namely coaxially with the flexure plate 111. The flexure plate 111 and the load receiving part 112 are integrally formed, for example, of a synthetic resin material.

Returning to FIG. 1, the base member 121 is, for example, a flexible resin film and has the sensitive area 121 s which is circular and which is arranged in the center of the base member 121, and a pair of non-sensitive areas 121 n 1 and 121 n 2 sandwiching the sensitive area 121 s therebetween. It is possible to use polyester, polyimide, etc., as the resin film. Further, although it is also possible to form the sensitive area 121 s and the non-sensitive areas 121 n 1 and 121 n 2 with mutually different materials, it is desirable to form them with a same material such that the temperature property (temperature coefficient of resistance (resistance temperature coefficient), etc.) is uniform across all the areas. Further, in such a case, it is also desirable to form the base member 121 by integrally cutting out the sensitive area 121 s and the non-sensitive areas 121 n 1 and 121 n 2 from vicinal parts of an integrally formed material (for example, a sheet of polyester, polyimide, etc.). By virtue of this, it is possible to further uniformize the temperature properties of the respective areas.

Since the sensitive area 121 s is an area to be attached or adhered to the back surface of the flexure plate 111, the sensitive area 121 s has a diameter equivalent to or smaller than that of the back surface of the flexure plate 111. On one surface of the sensitive area 121 s, there are formed the strain sensitive elements X₁₁ and X₁₂ (first-direction strain sensitive elements) with a center c being sandwiched therebetween in the direction x, the strain sensitive elements Y₁₁ and Y₁₂ (second-direction strain sensitive elements) with the center c being sandwiched therebetween in the direction y, and the strain sensitive elements Z₁₁ and Z₁₂ (third-direction strain sensitive elements) along the outer circumference of the sensitive area 121 s.

The strain sensitive elements X₁₁ and X₁₂ are formed parallel to each other, with the direction y as the width direction of grid thereof, respectively. The strain sensitive element X₁₁ and the strain sensitive element X₁₂ are formed at positions equidistant from the center c respectively (a distance between the center c and the strain sensitive element X₁₁ and the distance between the center c and the strain sensitive element X₁₂ are identical). The distance in the direction x between the strain sensitive element X₁₁ and the strain sensitive element X₁₂ is greater than the width in the direction x of the load receiving part 112.

The strain sensitive elements Y₁₁ and Y₁₂ are formed parallel to each other, with the direction x as the width direction of grid thereof, respectively. The strain sensitive element Y₁₁ and the strain sensitive element Y₁₂ are formed at positions equidistant from the center c respectively (a distance between the center c and the strain sensitive element Y₁₁ and the distance between the center c and the strain sensitive element Y₁₂ are identical). The distance in the direction y between the strain sensitive element Y₁₁ and the strain sensitive element Y₁₂ is greater than the width in the direction y of the load receiving part 112.

The strain sensitive elements Z₁₁ and Z₁₂ have arc-like shapes respectively and are formed to face each other in the direction x, with the circumferential direction of the sensitive area 121 s as the width direction of grid thereof. The strain sensitive elements Z₁₁ and Z₁₂ are arranged on an opposite side, of the strain sensitive elements X₁₁, X₁₂, Y₁₁, and Y₁₂, from the center c (outside of the strain sensitive elements X₁₁, X₁₂, Y₁₁, and Y₁₂).

The pair of non-sensitive areas 121 n 1 and 121 n 2 are shaped to interpose the sensitive area 121 s therebetween in the direction y.

Fixed resistance elements RX₁₁ and RX₁₂ (first-direction fixed resistance elements) are formed in an area (a part), of the surface of the non-sensitive area 121 n 1, far from the sensitive area 121 s, so that each of the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁ and RX₁₂ extends in the direction x and that the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁ and RX₁₂ are aligned in the direction x. Four terminals T₁₁, T₁₂, T₁₃, and T₁₄ are formed in an area (a part), of the surface of the non-sensitive area 121 n 1, close to the sensitive area 121 s, so that the terminals T₁₁, T₁₂, T₁₃ and T₁₄ are aligned in the direction x. Namely, in the non-sensitive area 121 n 1, the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁ and RX₁₂ are arranged on an opposite side of the terminals T₁₁ to T₁₄ from the sensitive area 121 s.

Similarly, fixed resistance elements RY₁₁ and RY₁₂ (second-direction fixed resistance elements) are formed in an area (a part), of the surface of the non-sensitive area 121 n 2, far from the sensitive area 121 s, so that each of the fixed resistance elements RY₁₁ and RY₁₂ extends in the direction x and that the fixed resistance elements RY₁₁ and RY₁₂ are aligned in the direction x. Four terminals T₁₅, T₁₆, T₁₇, and T₁₅ are formed in an area (a part), of the surface of the non-sensitive area 121 n 2, close to the sensitive area 121 s, so that the terminals T₁₅, T₁₆, T₁₇ and T₁₈ are aligned in the direction x. Namely, in the non-sensitive area 121 n 2, the fixed resistance elements RY₁₁ and RY₁₂ are arranged on an opposite side of the terminals T₁₅ to T₁₈ from the sensitive area 121 s.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the wire W1 connects the strain sensitive elements X₁₁ and X₁₂, and the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁ and RX₁₂ to construct a first bridge circuit BC11 (first Wheatstone bridge circuit). The terminal T₁₁ is connected between the strain sensitive element X₁₁ and the fixed resistance element RX₁₁, the terminal T₁₂ is connected between the strain sensitive elements X₁₁ and X₁₂, the terminal 113 is connected between the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁ and RX₁₂, and the terminal 114 is connected between the strain sensitive element X₁₂ and the fixed resistance element RX₁₂.

Similarly, the wire W1 connects the strain sensitive elements Y₁₁ and Y₁₂, and the fixed resistance elements RY₁₁ and RY₁₂ to construct a second bridge circuit BC12 (second Wheatstone bridge circuit). The terminal T₁₈ is connected between the strain sensitive element Y₁₁ and the fixed resistance element RY₁₁, the terminal 116 is connected between the strain sensitive elements Y₁₁ and Y₁₂, the terminal T₁₇ is connected between the fixed resistance elements RY₁₁ and RY₁₂, and the terminal T₁₅ is connected between the strain sensitive element Y₁₂ and the fixed resistance element RY₁₂.

One end of the strain sensitive element Z₁₁ is connected to the first bridge circuit BC11 between the strain sensitive element X₁₁ and the fixed resistance element RX₁₁, whereas the other end of the strain sensitive element Z₁₁ is connected to the second bridge circuit BC12 between the strain sensitive element Y₁₁ and the fixed resistance element RY₁₁. Similarly, one end of the strain sensitive element Z₁₂ is connected to the first bridge circuit BC11 between the strain sensitive element X₁₂ and the fixed resistance element RX₁₂, whereas the other end of the strain sensitive element Z₁₂ is connected to the second bridge circuit BC12 between the strain sensitive element Y₁₂ and the fixed resistance element RY₁₂. By virtue of this, a third bridge circuit BC13 (third Wheatstone bridge circuit) is constructed with the first bridge circuit BC11 and the second bridge circuit BC12 on one pair of opposite sides respectively, and with the strain sensitive elements Z₁₁ and Z₁₂ on the other pair of opposite sides respectively.

The strain sensitive elements X₁₁, X₁₂, Y₁₁, Y₁₂, Z₁₁, and Z₁₂; the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁, RX₁₂, RY₁₁, and RY₁₂; and the wire W1 included in the circuit pattern CP1 are formed from the same material, or preferably formed from vicinal parts in one material. This material is, for example, copper, a copper alloy such as copper nickel or the like, etc. It is possible to carry out the print of the circuit pattern CP1 on the base member 121 by way of photoetching, printing, evaporation, sputtering, etc.

The strain gage 120 is attached to the flexure plate 111 such that the surface of the base member 121, on a side opposite to the surface of the base member 121 formed with the circuit pattern CP1, is in contact with the flexure plate 111.

Specifically, the sensitive area 121 s of the base member 121 is attached to the back surface of the flexure plate 111 such that the center c is coincident with the rotating axis A1 of the flexure plate 111. Note that as described above, the distance in the direction x between the strain sensitive elements X₁₁ and X₁₂ is greater than the size in the direction x of the load receiving part 112, whereas the distance in the direction y between the strain sensitive elements Y₁₁ and Y₁₂ is greater than the size in the direction y of the load receiving part 112. Therefore, in a state that the sensitive area 121 s of the base member 121 is attached to the flexure plate 111, the strain sensitive elements X₁₁ and X₁₂ and the strain sensitive elements Y₁₁ and Y₁₂ are respectively arranged in areas which are arranged on the outside of the load receiving part 112 in the direction x and/or the direction y and in each of which a comparatively large strain is generated. Note that in FIGS. 1 and 4, a dotted line depicts the outline of the load receiving part 112 in the state that the base member 121 is attached to the flexure plate 111, thereby showing a positional relationship between the load receiving part 112 and the strain sensitive elements X₁₁, X₁₂, Y₁₁, and Y₁₂.

In the base member 121 attached to the triaxial force sensor 1000, the terminals T₁₁, T₁₂, T₁₃, and T₁₄ formed in the non-sensitive area 121 n 1 and the terminals T₁₅, T₁₆, T₁₇, and T₁₅ formed in the non-sensitive area 121 n 2 are exposed to the outside in the radial direction of the flexure plate 111 (namely, the outside of the flexure area).

Next, an explanation will be made on a method for using the strain gage 120 and the triaxial force sensor 1000 according to the first embodiment, and an operation thereof.

In a case that the triaxial force sensor 1000 is used, for example, as a tactile sensor of a robot hand, the triaxial force sensor 1000 is firstly fixed with respect to a fingertip of the robot hand. Next, the terminals T₁₁-T₁₅ are connected to a signal processing unit (not shown) respectively by using lead wires L₁₁-L₁₈ (FIG. 2). It is possible to connect or join the terminals T₁₁-T₁₅ and the lead wires L₁₁-T₁₈ by an arbitrary method. For example, it is possible to use a solder or an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) therefor.

The terminals T₁₁ and T₁₅ are connected, with the lead wires L₁₁ and L₁₈, respectively, to the power source (not shown) of the signal processing unit. The terminals T₁₂ and T₁₃, the terminals T₁₆ and T₁₇ and the terminals T₁₄ and T₁₅ are connected, with the lead wires L₁₂ and L₁₃, the lead wires L₁₆ and L₁₇ and the lead wires L₁₄ and L₁₅, respectively, to a calculating unit (not shown) in the signal processing unit via an amplifier (not shown) in the signal processing unit.

In a case that the triaxial force sensor 1000 is operating, an input voltage Ei is applied between the terminal T₁₁ and the terminal T₁₅ by the power source. The resistance value of each of the strain sensitive elements constructing the first bridge circuit BC11, the second bridge circuit BC12 and the third bridge circuit BC13 and the resistance value of each of the fixed resistance elements constructing the first bridge circuit BC11, the second bridge circuit BC12 and the third bridge circuit BC13 have been adjusted so that the voltages are equal or uniform between the terminals T₁₂ and T₁₃, that the voltages are equal between the terminals T₁₆ and T₁₇, and that the voltages are equal between the terminals T₁₄ and T₁₈, in a state that the sensitive area 121 s of the base member 121 has no flexure. Therefore, in a state that the flexure plate 111 has no strain and thus the sensitive area 121 s has no flexure (FIG. 3(a)), there is no potential difference (difference in potential) between the terminals T₁₂ and T₁₃, between the terminals T₁₆ and T₁₇, and between the terminals T₁₄ and T₁₈, and thus the calculating unit does not calculate the strain.

Next, in a case that a load in the direction x is applied to the load receiving part 112, the load receiving part 112 receives the load and thus moves to cause a strain to be generated in the flexure plate 111 (FIG. 3(b)). On this occasion, the sensitive area 121 s of the base member 121 of the strain gage 120 attached to the flexure plate 111 also flexes integrally with the flexure plate 111, so as to cause a compressive strain to be generated in the strain sensitive element X₁₁ and to cause a tensile strain (an elongation strain) to be generated in the strain sensitive element X₁₂. By virtue of this, each of the resistance values of the strain sensitive elements X₁₁ and X₁₂ is changed to thereby generate a potential difference between the terminals T₁₂ and T₁₃ of the first bridge circuit BC11 including the strain sensitive elements X₁₁ and X₁₂. Based on this potential difference, the calculating unit obtains an amount of the strain generated in the flexure plate 111 so as to obtain magnitude of the load in the direction x acting on the load receiving part 112. Note that on this occasion, no strain is generated on the outside of the flexure area, namely, in the non-sensitive areas 121 n 1 and 121 n 2, due to which the resistance values of the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁ and RX₁₂ are constant. Also in a case that a load in the direction y is applied to the load receiving part 112, the magnitude of the load in the direction y acting on the load receiving part 112 is obtained in a similar manner as described above.

In a case that a load in the direction Z is applied to the load receiving part 112, tensile strains are generated in all of the strain sensitive elements X₁₁, X₁₂, Y₁₁, Y₁₂, Z₁₁, and Z₁₂ since the flexure plate 111 and the sensitive area 121 s of the base member 121 are curved such that the centers thereof are projected. By virtue of this, each of the combined resistance of the first bridge circuit BC11, the combined resistance of the second bridge circuit BC12, and the resistance values of the strain sensitive elements Z₁₁ and Z₁₂ are changed to thereby generate a potential difference between the terminals T₁₄ and T₁₈ of the third bridge circuit BC13. Based on this potential difference, the calculating unit obtains the amount of the strain generated in the flexure plate 111 so as to obtain the magnitude of the load in the direction Z acting on the load receiving part 112.

Hereinbelow, an explanation will be given on the significance of printing, on the base member 121, the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁ and RX₁₂ of the first bridge circuit BC11 and the fixed resistance elements RY₁₁ and RY₁₂ of the second bridge circuit BC12, and of forming the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁ and RX₁₂ of the first bridge circuit BC11 and the fixed resistance elements RY₁₁ and RY₁₂ of the second bridge circuit BC12 with a same material as that forming the strain sensitive elements X₁₁, X₁₂, Y₁₁, and Y₁₂.

(1-1) By forming the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁, RX₁₂, RY₁₁, and RY₁₂ in the above-described manner, the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁, RX₁₂, RY₁₁, and RY₁₂ are formed from the same material as the strain sensitive elements X₁₁, X₁₂, Y₁₁, Y₁₂, Z₁₁, and Z₁₂, and at the positions in the vicinity thereof. Here, the temperature coefficient of resistance indicating a change ratio of the resistance value with respect to the change in the temperature (temperature change) is a physical property value depending on the material; therefore, in the first embodiment, the temperature coefficient of resistance is equal among all the strain sensitive elements and all the fixed resistance elements. Further, since the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁, RX₁₂, RY₁₁, and RY₁₂ are formed on the base member 121 and thus at the locations in the vicinity of the strain sensitive elements X₁₁, X₁₂, Y₁₁, Y₁₂, Z₁₁, and Z₁₂, the changes in the ambient temperature each affecting each of the strain sensitive elements or each of the fixed resistance elements are substantially the same. Therefore, in a case that any change arises in the ambient temperature, the resistance values of all the strain sensitive elements and the resistance values of all the fixed resistance elements change at a same ratio.

In each of the first bridge circuit BC11, the second bridge circuit BC12 and the third bridge circuit BC13, in a case that the balance of the resistance values changes between the resistance elements (the strain sensitive elements and the fixed resistance elements) included therein, then any potential differences arise between the terminals T₁₂ and T₁₃, between terminals T₁₆ and T₁₇, and between the terminals T₁₄ and T₁₈, based on which strains are detected. Therefore, in a case that the balance changes between the resistance values of the strain sensitive elements and the resistance values of the fixed resistance elements due to a change in ambient temperature, any measuring error might be generated due to this change in the balance. In the first embodiment, however, in a case that the ambient temperature changes, the resistance values of all the strain sensitive elements and the resistance values of all the fixed resistance elements change at the same ratio. Therefore, even in a case that the ambient temperature changes, the balance of the resistance values does not change between the respective elements, thereby suppressing the measuring error from occurring. Note that in the formation of the circuit pattern CP1, in a case that vicinal parts of the material (copper, a copper alloy, etc.) prepared as an integral block are used to form the strain sensitive elements, etc., it is possible to make the temperature coefficients of resistance of the strain sensitive elements X₁₁, X₁₂, Y₁₁, Y₁₂, Z₁₁, and Z₁₂, the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁, RX₁₂, RY₁₁, and RY₁₂, and the wire W1 to be further uniform, thereby making it possible to more satisfactorily suppress the occurrence of the measuring error.

(1-2) As in the first embodiment, it is possible to form the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁ and RX₁₂ of the first bridge circuit BC11 and the fixed resistance elements RY₁₁ and RY₁₂ of the second bridge circuit BC12 in the non-sensitive areas 121 n 1 and 121 n 2 of the base member 121, and to thereby cause the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁, RX₁₂, RY₁₁, and RY₁₂ to function as dummy gages for the purpose of temperature compensation in the part in which no strain is generated (the part on the outside of the flexure area). Therefore, even in a case that any expansion or contraction is generated in the main body part of the triaxial force sensor 1000 including the flexure plate 111 due to any change in the ambient temperature, it is also possible to suppress the occurrence of a measuring error by compensating the change in the resistance values of the strain sensitive elements X₁₁, X₁₂, Y₁₁, and Y₁₂ due to the expansion or the contraction.

(1-3) By printing and forming the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁, RX₁₂, RY₁₁, and RY₁₂ on the base member 121, it is possible to form each of the first bridge circuit BC11, the second bridge circuit BC12 and the third bridge circuit BC13 as closed circuits completed on the base member 121.

In a case that the strain sensitive elements constructing a bridge circuit are printed on a base member while the fixed resistance elements constructing the bridge circuit are provided on the outside of the base member, for example, provided on the signal processing unit; then in order to allow the bridge circuit be a closed circuit, it is necessary to connect the strain sensitive elements on the base member and the fixed resistance elements of the signal processing unit with lead wires, etc. In this case, the wires on the base member and the lead wires are connected by joining the lead wires to electrodes provided on the base member. However, in a case that junction resistances arise in the junction parts between the electrodes and the lead wires, then the junction resistances will become internal resistances of the bridge circuit to thereby cause a large error in the strain detection. Therefore, the method of junction is limited to the soldering junction in which the junction resistances are small to such an extent that the junction resistances are substantially neglectable.

However, in order to perform the soldering junctions satisfactorily, it is necessary to provide comparatively large electrodes on the base member, and to secure the pitch(es) between the electrodes. Therefore, the base member has to be large. Further, in order to perform the soldering junctions satisfactorily, it is necessary to pile up solder such that the solder has a certain level of thickness, this also hinders downsizing of the triaxial force sensor.

In contrast, the first embodiment forms each of the first bridge circuit BC11, the second bridge circuit BC12 and the third bridge circuit BC13 as a closed circuit completed on the base member 121, such that the connection between the base member 121 and the signal processing unit via the terminals T₁₁ to T₁₈ is merely a junction for connecting the first bridge circuit BC11, the second bridge circuit BC12 and the third bridge circuit BC13 to the power source and the calculating unit. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the junction resistances are allowed to occur in the junction parts between the terminals T₁₁ to T₁₅ and the lead wires L₁₁ to L₁₈, thereby making it possible to adopt any other methods which is different from the soldering junction, such as for example the junction using an anisotropic conductive film. Note that by using the anisotropic conductive film, it is possible to suppress the size of electrodes, the pitch between the electrodes, and the thickness of the junction parts to be about 10% (one-tenth) of those of the soldering junction, respectively. Therefore, in a case that the downsizing of the triaxial force sensor 1000 is desired, the junction using the anisotropic conductive film is advantageous.

The effects brought about by the strain gage 120 and the triaxial force sensor 1000 of the first embodiment are as follows.

In the strain gage 120 of the first embodiment, the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁ and RX₁₂ of the first bridge circuit BC11 and the fixed resistance elements RY₁₁ and RY₁₂ of the second bridge circuit BC12 are formed on the base member 121, thereby making it possible to realize the effects described about in Items (1-2) and (1-3). Furthermore, since the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁, RX₁₂, RY₁₁, and RY₁₂ are formed of the same material as the material forming the strain sensitive elements X₁₁, X₁₂, Y₁₁, and Y₁₂, it is possible to realize the effect described about in Item (1-1).

In the strain gage 120 of the first embodiment, the sensitive area 121 s is formed with only the strain sensitive elements X₁₁, X₁₂, Y₁₁, Y₁₂, Z₁₁, and Z₁₂, whereas the terminals T₁₁ to T₁₅ and the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁, RX₁₂, RY₁₁, and RY₁₂ are formed on the non-sensitive areas 121 n 1 and 121 n 2. Therefore, it is possible to make the diameter (size) of the sensitive area 121 s to be downsized or small, and consequently to make the flexure plate 111 of the triaxial force sensor 1000 to be small. Downsizing the flexure plate 111 leads to downsizing the triaxial force sensor 1000, which is preferred.

In the strain gage 120 of the first embodiment, since the electrodes T₁₁ to T₁₅ are provided in the non-sensitive areas 121 n 1 and 121 n 2, it is possible to increase the sizes of the electrodes T₁₁ to T₁₈ as necessary, without making the diameter of the sensitive area 121 s to be great, thereby making it possible to easily carry out an operation for junction with respect to the lead wires, etc.

The triaxial force sensor 1000 of the first embodiment is provided with the strain gage 120, and thus can achieve the similar effects as the strain gage 120.

With respect to the first embodiment described above, it is also possible to adopt modifications described in the following.

In the strain gage 120, the strain sensitive elements Z₁₁ and Z₁₂ may be formed in the non-sensitive area 121 n 1 and/or non-sensitive area 121 n 2. In this case, since no flexure is generated in the non-sensitive areas 121 n 1 and 121 n 2, the strain sensitive elements Z₁₁ and Z₁₂ function substantially as fixed resistance elements (third-direction fixed resistance elements).

Even in a case that the strain sensitive elements Z₁₁ and Z₁₂ function as the fixed resistance elements, it is also possible to detect the load in the direction x with the first bridge circuit BC11 and detect the load in the direction y with the second bridge circuit BC12, in a similar manner as in the above-described first embodiment. Further, it is also possible to detect the load in the direction Z. The reason for this is since, in a case that the load in the direction Z acts on the load receiving part 112 so as to generate the change in the resistance values of the strain sensitive elements X₁₁, X₁₂, Y₁₁, and Y₁₂, then this changes each of the combined resistance of the first bridge circuit BC11 and the combined resistance of the second bridge circuit BC12, which in turn also changes the balance of the resistance values between the elements of the third bridge circuit BC13 even if the resistance values of the strain sensitive elements Z₁₁ and Z₁₂ are constant.

It is allowable that the strain gage 120 does not have the strain sensitive elements Z₁₁ and Z₁₂. In such a case, for example, the first bridge circuit BC11 and the second bridge circuit BC12 are connected with two arc-like wires W1, rather than being connected with the strain sensitive elements Z₁₁ and Z₁₂.

Even in a case that the strain sensitive elements Z₁₁ and Z₁₂ are not provided or are omitted, it is also possible to detect the load in the direction x with the first bridge circuit BC11 and to detect the load in the direction y with the second bridge circuit BC12, in a similar manner as in the above-described first embodiment. A strain gage 120 in such a modification can be used in a biaxial force sensor. Alternatively, it is also possible to link the first Wheatstone bridge circuit and the second Wheatstone bridge circuit, which are possessed by such a strain gage as in the modification, with the fixed resistance elements formed in the signal processing unit, to thereby construct a third Wheatstone bridge circuit so that the strain gage in this modification is usable in a triaxial force sensor.

In the strain gage 120, with respect to the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁, RX₁₂, RY₁₁ and RY₁₂ formed in the non-sensitive areas 121 n 1 and 121 n 2 of the base member 121, it is allowable to allow at least one of these elements to remain on the base member 121, and to provide the remainder of these elements on the outside of the base member 121, for example, on the signal processing unit. Also in such an aspect, by providing at least one of the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁ and RX₁₂ constructing the first bridge circuit BC11 and the fixed resistance elements RY₁₁ and RY₁₂ constructing the second bridge circuit BC12 in the non-sensitive area 121 n 1 and/or the non-sensitive area 121 n 2 on the base member 121, it is possible to realize the effect of suppressing the occurrence of the temperature error in the strain gage 120 and the triaxial force sensor 1000.

In the non-sensitive area 121 n 1 provided on one side in the direction y (the second direction) of the sensitive area 121 s, the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁ and RX₁₂ and the terminals T₁₁ to T₁₄ may be aligned in a row or array along the direction x (the first direction) orthogonal to the direction y (the second direction). In the non-sensitive area 121 n 2 provided on the other side in the direction y (the second direction) of the sensitive area 121 s, the fixed resistance elements RY₁₁ and RY₁₂ and the terminals T₁₅ to T₁₈ may also be aligned in a row along the direction x (the first direction) orthogonal to the direction y (the second direction).

As shown in FIG. 4, the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁ and RX₁₂ may be formed in an area (a part), of the non-sensitive area 121 n 1, which is close to the sensitive area 121 s, whereas the terminals T₁₁ to T₁₄ may be formed in an area (a part), of the non-sensitive area 121 n 1, which is far from the sensitive area 121 s. Namely, in the non-sensitive area 121 n 1, the terminals T₁₁ to T₁₄ may be arranged on an opposite side of the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁ and RX₁₂ from the sensitive area 121 s. This is similarly applicable also to the arrangement of the fixed resistance elements RY₁₁ and RY₁₂ and the terminals T₁₅ to T₁₈ in the non-sensitive area 121 n 2. By arranging the terminals T₁₁ to T₁₈ on the outside in this manner, the lead wires, etc., can be joined to the terminals T₁₁ to T₁₈ more easily.

Any one or more of the terminals T₁₁ to T₁₈ may be formed in the sensitive area 121 s. In this case, it is desirable to provide any one or more of the terminals T₁₁ to 118 in the vicinity of the center c in which any one or more of the terminals T₁₁ to T₁₈ is/are attached at a location below or under the load receiving part 112 and in which any strain is less likely to be generated.

In the sensitive area 121 s, the strain sensitive elements Z₁₁ and Z₁₂ may be arranged on the side of the center c (on the inner side) of the strain sensitive elements X₁₁, X₁₂, Y₁₁, and Y₁₂. Further, the strain sensitive elements X₁₁, X₁₂, Y₁₁, and Y₁₂ may be each formed into an arc-like shape such that the width direction of the grid thereof may be the circumferential direction of the sensitive area 121 s. Such a strain gage 120 can be attached to the flexure plate 111 to which the load receiving part 112 having a cylindrical shape with the rotating axis A1 as the center thereof is connected, and can be used satisfactorily.

It is allowable that the base member 121 of the strain gage 120 has any shape, for example, such as an elliptical shape, and that the base member 121 has only either one of the non-sensitive areas 121 n 1 and 121 n 2. In the base member 121 only having either one of the non-sensitive areas 121 n 1 and 121 n 2, it is allowable to form all of the fixed resistance elements RX₁₁, RX₁₂, RY₁₁, and RY₁₂ and the terminals T₁₁ to T₁₈ in that non-sensitive area which is either one of the non-sensitive areas 121 n 1 and 121 n 2. Other than those described above, the base member 121 may have any shape including the sensitive area to be attached to the flexure plate of the multi-axis force sensor, and the non-sensitive area to be arranged outside of that area.

The strain gage 120 of the above-described first embodiment can also be used for a flexure member of any other sensor which is different from the multi-axis force sensor.

Second Embodiment

An explanation will be made on a second embodiment of the multi-axis force sensor and the strain gage of the present invention, with a triaxial force sensor 2000 which is used as a tactile sensor of a robot hand and a strain gage 220 included in the triaxial sensor 2000 as examples thereof, with mainly reference to FIGS. 5 to 9.

The triaxial force sensor 2000 of the second embodiment has a main body part 210 rotationally symmetrical about an axis A2, and a strain gage 220 attached to the main body part 210, as depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6. The main body part 210 includes a flexure plate (flexure member) 211 which has a disc-shape and of which rotating axis is the axis A2; a load receiving part (a load applied part) 212 upstanding, in an axis direction of the rotating axis, from a central part of a surface 211 a of the flexure plate 211; a pair of holding plates 213 upstanding in the axial direction from a peripheral edge part of the surface 211 a of the flexure plate 211; a peripheral wall 214 upstanding in the axial direction from a peripheral edge part of a back surface 211 b of the flexure plate 211, and four leg parts 215 provided on the peripheral wall 214. The main body part 210 is formed, for example, integrally with a synthetic resin material.

In the explanation of the second embodiment, two radial directions orthogonal to each other in the flexure plate 211 are referred to as a direction X (first direction) and a direction Y (second direction), respectively, of the triaxial force sensor 2000 and the main body part 210. Further, a direction of the axis A2 orthogonal to the direction X and the direction Y is referred to as a direction Z (third direction) of the triaxial force sensor 2000 and the main body part 210.

The flexure plate 211 is a disc which is strained (distorted) in a case of receiving, via the load receiving part 212, a load applied from outside onto the main body part 210 of the triaxial force sensor 2000. The strain in the flexure plate 211 is generated or arises on the front surface 211 a and the back surface 211 b of the flexure plate 211 (in FIG. 5, upper and lower surfaces orthogonal to the axis A2), but does not arise or is small enough to be neglectable on a lateral surface 211 c of the flexure plate 211 (the peripheral or circumferential surface parallel to the axis A2 in FIG. 5). In this specification, the term “flexure area” is used to refer to an area which is strained by receiving an external load in the flexure plate 211, such as the front surface 211 a and the back surface 211 b of the flexure plate 211 in the second embodiment. The diameter and the thickness of the flexure plate 211 is arbitrary.

The load receiving part 212 is a part which receives a load from outside and thereby moves so as to generate a strain in the flexure plate 211, and which is, for example, a prism (square rod) having a square-shaped cross section. The load receiving part 212 is provided on the front surface 211 a of the flexure plate 211 such that the central axis of the prism is coincident with the rotating axis (axis A2) of the flexure plate 211, namely coaxially with the flexure plate 211.

The pair of holding plates 213 are parts to which parts (non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2), of a base member 221 (FIG. 7) of the strain gage 220 (to be described later on) are attached, respectively. The pair of holding plates 213 upstand from the front surface 211 a of the flexure plate 211 so as to face each other (to be opposite to each other), while sandwiching the load receiving part 212 therebetween in the direction Y; each of the pair of holding plates 213 has a curved surface along the outer circumference of the flexure plate 211.

The peripheral wall 214 upstands from the back surface 211 b of the flexure plate 211 along the outer circumference of the back surface 211 b, and surrounds the back surface 211 b. Further, the peripheral wall 214 is provided with a pair of cutout parts 214 n so as to sandwich the load receiving part 212 therebetween in the direction Y. Namely, the pair of cutout parts 214 n are arranged at positions, respectively, in the circumferential direction of the flexure plate 211, at which the pair of cutout parts 214 overlap with the pair of holding plate 213, respectively. The peripheral wall 214 is used as a guide in a case of attaching the strain gage 220 to the flexure plate 211, details of which will be described later on.

The leg parts 215 are stands each of which is used to attach the triaxial force sensor 2000 to the robot hand, and are provided as the four leg parts 215 on the peripheral wall 214 at an equal spacing distance therebetween.

FIG. 7 depicts a state before the strain gage 220 depicted in FIG. 5 is provided on or attached to the flexure plate 211 (an expansion or development view). As depicted in FIG. 7, the strain gage 220 includes a base member 221, and a circuit pattern CP2 printed on a surface of the base member 221. The base member 221 has a sensitive area 221 s, and non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2 interposing or sandwiching the sensitive area 221 s therebetween. The circuit pattern CP2 includes six strain sensitive elements X₂₁, X₂₂, Y₂₁, Y₂₂, Z₂₁, and Z₂₂, four fixed resistance elements RX₂₁, RX₂₂, RY₂₁, and RY₂₂, eight terminals T₂₁ to T₂₈, and a wire W2 connecting those elements (members). Note that in the following explanation, a direction y (second direction) refers to a direction in which the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2 sandwich the sensitive area 221 s therebetween, whereas a direction x (first direction) refers to a direction orthogonal to the direction y on the surface of the base member 221.

The base member 221 is a flexible resin film and has the sensitive area 221 s which is circular and which is arranged in the center of the base member 221, a pair of non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2 sandwiching the sensitive area 221 s therebetween, and a pair of connecting areas 221 c 1 and 221 c 2 which connect or join the pair of non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2 to the sensitive area 221 s, respectively. It is preferred that as the resin film used is a resin film which is highly flexible and bendable so that the resin film is easily foldable and bendable; specific examples of the usable resin film include polyester, polyimide, etc. Further, although it is also possible to form the sensitive area 221 s, the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2, and the connecting areas 221 c 1 and 221 c 2 with mutually different materials, it is desirable to form those members with a same material such that the temperature property (temperature coefficient of resistance, etc.) is uniform across all the areas. Further, in such a case, it is also desirable to form the base member 221 by integrally cutting out the sensitive area 221 s, the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2, and the connecting areas 221 c 1 and 221 c 2 from vicinal parts of an integrally formed material (for example, a sheet of polyester, polyimide, etc.). By virtue of this, it is possible to further uniformize the temperature properties of the respective areas.

Since the sensitive area 221 s is an area to be attached or adhered to the back surface 211 b of the flexure plate 211 of the main body part 210, the sensitive area 221 s has a diameter equivalent to or smaller than that of the back surface 211 b of the flexure plate 211. On one surface of the sensitive area 221 s, there are formed the strain sensitive elements X₂₁ and X₂₂ (first-direction strain sensitive elements) with a center c being sandwiched therebetween in the direction x, the strain sensitive elements Y₂₁ and Y₂₂ (second-direction strain sensitive elements) with the center c being sandwiched therebetween in the direction y, and the strain sensitive elements Z₂₁ and Z₂₂ (third-direction strain sensitive elements) along the outer circumference.

The strain sensitive elements X₂₁ and X₂₂ are formed parallel to each other, with the direction y as the width direction of grid thereof, respectively. The strain sensitive element X₂₁ and the strain sensitive element X₂₂ are formed at positions equidistant from the center c respectively (a distance between the center c and the strain sensitive element X₂₁ and the distance between the center c and the strain sensitive element X₂₂ are identical). The distance in the direction x between the strain sensitive element X₂₁ and the strain sensitive element X₂₂ is longer than the width in the direction x of the load receiving part 212 of the main body part 210.

The strain sensitive elements Y₂₁ and Y₂₂ are formed parallel to each other, with the direction x as the width direction of grid thereof, respectively. The strain sensitive element Y₂₁ and the strain sensitive element Y₂₂ are formed at positions equidistant from the center c respectively (a distance between the center c and the strain sensitive element Y₂₁ and the distance between the center c and the strain sensitive element Y₂₂ are identical). The distance in the direction y between the strain sensitive element Y₂₁ and the strain sensitive element Y₂₂ is longer than the width in the direction y of the load receiving part 212 of the main body part 210.

The strain sensitive elements Z₂₁ and Z₂₂ have arc-like shapes respectively and are formed to face each other in the direction x, with the circumferential direction of the sensitive area 221 s as the width direction of grid thereof. The strain sensitive elements Z₂₁ and Z₂₂ are arranged on an opposite side of the strain sensitive elements X₂₁, X₂₂, Y₂₁, and Y₂₂ from the center c (outside of the strain sensitive elements X₂₁, X₂₂, Y₂₁, and Y₂₂).

The pair of non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2 are shaped to interpose the sensitive area 221 s in the direction y. Each of the pair of non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2 has a rectangular shape in which the direction x is the long side direction and the direction y is the short side direction.

Fixed resistance elements RX₂₁ and RX₂₂ (first-direction fixed resistance elements) are formed in an area (a part), of the surface of the non-sensitive area 221 n 1, which are far from the sensitive area 221 s, so that each of the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁ and RX₂₂ extends in the direction x and that the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁ and RX₂₂ are aligned in the direction x; on the other hand, four terminals T₂₁, T₂₂, T₂₃, and T₂₄ are formed in an area (a part), of the surface of the non-sensitive area 221 n 1, which is close to the sensitive area 221 s, so that the terminals T₂₁, T₂₂, T₂₃ and T₂₄ are aligned in the direction x. Namely, in the non-sensitive area 221 n 1, the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁ and RX₂₂ are arranged on an opposite side of the terminals T₂₁ to T₂₄ from the sensitive area 221 s.

Similarly, fixed resistance elements RY₂₁ and RY₂₂ (second-direction fixed resistance elements) are formed in an area (a part), of the surface of the non-sensitive area 221 n 2, which is far from the sensitive area 221 s, so that each of the fixed resistance elements RY₂₁ and RY₂₂ extends in the direction x and that the fixed resistance elements RY₂₁ and RY₂₂ are aligned in the direction x; on the other hand, four terminals T₂₅, T₂₆, T₂₇, and T₂₈ are formed in an area, of the surface of the non-sensitive area 221 n 2, which is close to the sensitive area 221 s, so that the four terminals T₂₅, T₂₆, T₂₇, and T₂₈ are aligned in the direction x. Namely, in the non-sensitive area 221 n 2, the fixed resistance elements RY₂₁ and RY₂₂ are arranged on an opposite side of the terminals T₂₅ to T₂₈ from the sensitive area 221 s.

The connecting areas 221 c 1 and 221 c 2 connecting the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2 to the sensitive area 221 s, respectively each have a size in the direction x (width), orthogonal to the direction y in which the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2 are connected to the sensitive area 221 s, which is smaller than a size in the direction x (width) of each of the sensitive area 221 s and the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2. Accordingly, the base member 221 has a shape which is constricted at the connecting areas 221 c 1 and 221 c 2.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the wire W2 connects the strain sensitive elements X₂₁ and X₂₂ and the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁ and RX₂₂ to construct a first bridge circuit BC21 (first Wheatstone bridge circuit). Further, the terminal 121 is connected between the strain sensitive element X₂₁ and the fixed resistance element RX₂₁, the terminal 122 is connected between the strain sensitive elements X₂₁ and X₂₂, the terminal 123 is connected between the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁ and RX₂₂, and the terminal T₂₄ is connected between the strain sensitive element X₂₂ and the fixed resistance element RX₂₂.

Similarly, the wire W2 connects the strain sensitive elements Y₂₁ and Y₂₂ and the fixed resistance elements RY₂₁ and RY₂₂ to construct a second bridge circuit BC22 (second Wheatstone bridge circuit). Further, the terminal 128 is connected between the strain sensitive element Y₂₁ and the fixed resistance element RY₂₁, the terminal 126 is connected between the strain sensitive elements Y₂₁ and Y₂₂, the terminal 127 is connected between the fixed resistance elements RY₂₁ and RY₂₂, and the terminal 125 is connected between the strain sensitive element Y₂₂ and the fixed resistance element RY₂₂.

One end of the strain sensitive element Z₂₁ is connected to the first bridge circuit BC21 between the strain sensitive element X₂₁ and the fixed resistance element RX₂₁, whereas the other end of the strain sensitive element Z₂₁ is connected to the second bridge circuit BC22 between the strain sensitive element Y₂₁ and the fixed resistance element RY₂₁. Similarly, one end of the strain sensitive element Z₂₂ is connected to the first bridge circuit BC21 between the strain sensitive element X₂₂ and the fixed resistance element RX₂₂, whereas the other end of the strain sensitive element Z₂₂ is connected to the second bridge circuit BC22 between the strain sensitive element Y₂₂ and the fixed resistance element RY₂₂. By virtue of this, a third bridge circuit BC23 (third Wheatstone bridge circuit) is constructed with the first bridge circuit BC21 and the second bridge circuit BC22 on one pair of opposite sides respectively, and with the strain sensitive elements Z₂₁ and Z₂₂ on the other pair of opposite sides respectively.

The strain sensitive elements X₂₁, X₂₂, Y₂₁, Y₂₂, Z₂₁, and Z₂₂ and the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁, RX₂₂, RY₂₁, and RY₂₂ and the wire W2 included in the circuit pattern CP2 are formed from the same material, or preferably formed from vicinal parts in one material. This material is, for example, copper, a copper alloy such as copper nickel or the like, etc. It is possible to carry out the print of the circuit pattern CP2 on the base member 221 by way of photoetching, printing, evaporation, sputtering, etc.

As depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, the strain gage 220 is attached to the main body part 210 such that the surface of the base member 221 on a side opposite to the surface of the base member 221 formed with the circuit pattern CP2 may be in contact with the main body part 210.

Specifically, the sensitive area 221 s of the base member 221 is attached to the back surface 211 b of the flexure plate 211 such that the direction x and the direction y are coincident with the direction X and the direction Y, respectively, of the main body parts 210 and that the center c is coincident with the axis A2. Note that as described above, the distance in the direction x between the strain sensitive elements X₂₁ and X₂₂ is larger than the size in the direction x of the load receiving part 212, whereas the distance in the direction y between the strain sensitive elements Y₂₁ and Y₂₂ is larger than the size in the direction y of the load receiving part 212. Therefore, in a state that the sensitive area 221 s of the base member 221 is attached to the flexure plate 211, the strain sensitive elements X₂₁ and X₂₂ and the strain sensitive elements Y₂₁ and Y₂₂ are arranged in areas arranged on the outside of the load receiving part 212 in the direction x and/or the direction y and in each of which a comparatively large strain is generated. Note that in FIGS. 7 and 9, a dotted line depicts the outline of the load receiving part 212 in the state that the base member 221 is attached to the flexure plate 211, thereby showing a positional relationship between the load receiving part 212 and the strain sensitive elements X₂₁, X₂₂, Y₂₁, and Y₂₂.

The pair of non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2 of the base member 221 are folded or bent and attached to the lateral surfaces 211 c of the flexure plate 211 and to the outer surfaces of the holding plates 213, which extend upwardly from the lateral surfaces 211 c. Accordingly, the terminals T₂₁, T₂₂, T₂₃, and T₂₄ formed in the non-sensitive area 221 n 1 and the terminals T₂₅, T₂₆, T₂₇, and T₂₈ formed in the non-sensitive area 221 n 2 are exposed to the outside of the flexure plate 211, while facing or being oriented toward the outer side in the radial direction of the flexure plate 211.

The pair of connecting parts 221 c 1 and 221 c 2 pass through the cutout parts 214 n, respectively, of the peripheral wall 214 and are bent at positions where the back surface 211 b and the lateral surface 211 c of the flexure plate 211 are connected to each other.

In a case of attaching the strain gage 220 to the base member 221, the peripheral edge part of the sensitive area 221 s of the base member 221 is brought into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 214, and the pair of connecting areas 221 c 1 and 221 c 2 of the base member 221 are arranged at the pair of cutout parts 214 n, respectively, of the circumferential wall 214, thereby making it possible to easily position (align) the strain gage 220 with respect to the main body part 210 and the flexure plate 211.

Specifically, by bringing the peripheral edge part of the sensitive area 221 s of the base member 221 into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 214, the center c of the sensitive area 221 s is positioned so as to be coincident with the axis A2 of the main body part 210, and the movements in the direction X and the direction Y of the sensitive area 221 s are restricted (regulated). Next, by arranging the pair of connecting areas 221 c 1 and 221 c 2 of the strain gage 220 at the cutout parts 214 n, respectively, of the circumferential wall 214, the strain gage 220 is positioned (aligned) with respect to the main body part 210 and the flexure plate 211 also in the circumferential direction of which center is the axis A2.

Next, an explanation will be made on a method for using the triaxial force sensor 2000 and the strain gage 220 according to the second embodiment, and an operation thereof.

In a case that the triaxial force sensor 2000 is used, for example, as a tactile sensor of a robot hand, the triaxial force sensor 2000 is firstly fixed with respect to a fingertip of the robot hand via the leg parts 215. Next, the terminals T₂₁ to T₂₈ are connected respectively to a signal processing unit (not shown) by using lead wires L₂₁ to L₂₈ (FIG. 8). It is possible to connect the terminal T₂₁ to T₂₈ and the lead wires L₂₁ to L₂₈ by an arbitrary method. For example, it is possible to use a solder or an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) therefor.

The terminals T₂₁ and T₂₃ are connected, with the lead wires L₂₁ and L₂₃, respectively, to the power source (not shown) of the signal processing unit. The terminals T₂₂ and T₂₃, the terminals T₂₆ and T₂₇ and the terminals T₂₄ and T₂₈ are connected, with the lead wires L₂₂ and L₂₃, the lead wires L₂₆ and L₂₇ and the lead wires L₂₄ and L₂₈, respectively, to a calculating unit (not shown) in the signal processing unit via an amplifier (not shown) in the signal processing unit.

In a case that the triaxial force sensor 2000 is operating, an input voltage Ei is applied between the terminal 121 and the terminal 125 by the power source. The resistance value of each of the strain sensitive elements constructing the first bridge circuit BC21, the second bridge circuit BC22 and the third bridge circuit BC23 and the resistance value of each of the fixed resistance elements constructing the first bridge circuit BC21, the second bridge circuit BC22 and the third bridge circuit BC23 have been adjusted so that the voltages are equal or uniform between the terminals T₂₂ and T₂₃, that the voltages are equal between the terminals T₂₆ and T₂₇, and that the voltages are equal between the terminals T₂₄ and T₂₈, in a state that the sensitive area 221 s of the base member 221 has no flexure. Therefore, in a state that the flexure plate 211 has no strain and that the sensitive area 221 s has no flexure (FIG. 3(a)), there is no difference in the potential between the terminals T₂₂ and T₂₃, between the terminals T₂₆ and T₂₇, and between the terminals T₂₄ and T₂₈, and thus the calculating unit does not calculate the strain.

Next, in a case that a load in the direction X is applied to the load receiving part 212, the load receiving part 212 receives the load and thus moves to cause a strain to be generated in the flexure plate 211 (FIG. 3(b)). On this occasion, the sensitive area 221 s of the base member 221 of the strain gage 220 attached to the flexure plate 211 also flexes integrally with the flexure plate 211, so as to cause a compressive strain to be generated in the strain sensitive element X₂₁ and to cause a tensile strain (an elongation strain) to be generated in the strain sensitive element X₂₂. By virtue of this, each of the resistance values of the strain sensitive elements X₂₁ and X₂₂ is changed to thereby generate a potential difference (a difference in the potential) between the terminals T₂₂ and T₂₃ of the first bridge circuit BC21 including the strain sensitive elements X₂₁ and X₂₂. Based on this potential difference, the calculating unit obtains the amount of the strain generated in the flexure plate 211 so as to obtain magnitude of the load in the direction X acting on the load receiving part 212. Note that on this occasion, no strain is generated in the lateral surface 211 c of the flexure plate 211 and the holding plates 213, due to which the resistance values of the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁ and RX₂₂ are constant. Also in a case that a load in the direction Y is applied to the load receiving part 212, the magnitude of the load in the direction Y acting on the load receiving part 212 is obtained in a similar manner as described above.

In a case that a load in the direction Z is applied to the load receiving part 212, tensile strains are generated in all the strain sensitive elements X₂₁, X₂₂, Y₂₁, Y₂₂, Z₂₁, and Z₂₂ since the flexure plate 211 and the sensitive area 221 s of the base member 221 are curved such that the centers thereof are projected. By virtue of this, each of the combined resistance of the first bridge circuit BC21, the combined resistance of the second bridge circuit BC22, and the resistance values of the strain sensitive elements Z₂₁ and Z₂₂ is changed to thereby generate a potential difference between the terminals T₂₄ and T₂₈ of the third bridge circuit BC23. Based on this difference in the potential, the calculating unit obtains the amount of the strain generated in the flexure plate 211 so as to obtain the magnitude of the load in the direction Z acting on the load receiving part 212.

Hereinbelow, an explanation will be given on the significance of printing, on the base member 221, the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁ and RX₂₂ of the first bridge circuit BC21 and the fixed resistance elements RY₂₁ and RY₂₂ of the second bridge circuit BC22 and of forming the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁ and RX₂₂ of the first bridge circuit BC21 and the fixed resistance elements RY₂₁ and RY₂₂ of the second bridge circuit BC22 with a same material as that forming the strain sensitive elements X₂₁, X₂₂, Y₂₁, and Y₂₂.

(2-1) By forming the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁, RX₂₂, RY₂₁, and RY₂₂ in the above-described manner, the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁, RX₂₂, RY₂₁ and RY₂₂ are formed from the same material as the strain sensitive elements X₂₁, X₂₂, Y₂₁, Y₂₂, Z₂₁, and Z₂₂, and at the positions in the vicinity thereof. Here, the temperature coefficient of resistance indicating a change ratio of the resistance value with respect to the change in the temperature (temperature change) is a physical property value depending on the material; therefore, in the second embodiment, the temperature coefficient of resistance is equal among all the strain sensitive elements and all the fixed resistance elements. Further, since the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁, RX₂₂, RY₂₁, and RY₂₂ are formed on the base member 221 and thus formed at the locations in the vicinity of the strain sensitive elements X₂₁, X₂₂, Y₂₁, Y₂₂, Z₂₁, and Z₂₂, the changes in the ambient temperature each affecting each of the strain sensitive elements or each of the fixed resistance elements are substantially the same. Therefore, in a case that any change arises in the ambient temperature, the resistance values of all the strain sensitive elements and the resistance values of all the fixed resistance elements change at a same ratio.

In each of the first bridge circuit BC21, the second bridge circuit BC22 and the third bridge circuit BC23, in a case that the balance of the resistance values changes between the resistance elements (the strain sensitive elements and the fixed resistance elements) included therein, then any potential differences arise between the terminals T₂₂ and T₂₃, between terminals T₂₆ and T₂₇, and between the terminals T₂₄ and T₂₈, based on which strains are detected. Therefore, in a case that the balance changes between the resistance values of the strain sensitive elements and the resistance values of the fixed resistance elements due to a change in ambient temperature, any measuring error might be generated due to this change in the balance. In the second embodiment, however, in a case that the ambient temperature changes, the resistance values of all the strain sensitive elements and the resistance values of all the fixed resistance elements change at the same ratio. Therefore, even in a case that the ambient temperature changes, the balance of the resistance values does not change between the respective elements, thereby suppressing the measuring error from occurring. Note that in the formation of the circuit pattern CP2, in a case that vicinal parts of the material (copper, a copper alloy, etc.) prepared as an integral block are used to form the strain sensitive elements, etc., it is possible to make the temperature coefficients of resistance of the strain sensitive elements X₂₁, X₂₂, Y₂₁, Y₂₂, Z₂₁, and Z₂₂, the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁, RX₂₂, RY₂₁, and RY₂₂, and the wire W2 to be further uniform, thereby making it possible to more satisfactorily suppress the occurrence of the measuring error.

(2-2) As in the second embodiment, in a case that the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁ and RX₂₂ of the first bridge circuit BC21 and the fixed resistance elements RY₂₁ and RY₂₂ of the second bridge circuit BC22 are formed in the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2 of the base member 221 and that the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2 are attached or adhered to a part, of the main body part 210, at which any strain is not generated (a part on the outside of the flexure area), it is possible to thereby cause the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁, RX₂₂, RY₂₁, and RY₂₂ to function as dummy gages for the purpose of temperature compensation. Therefore, even in a case that any expansion or contraction is generated in the main body part 210 including the flexure plate 211 due to any change in the ambient temperature, it is also possible to suppress the occurrence of a measuring error by compensating the change in the resistance values of the strain sensitive elements X₂₁, X₂₂, Y₂₁, and Y₂₂ due to the expansion or the contraction.

(2-3) By printing and forming the fixed resistance elements RX₂₂, RX₂₂, RY₂₂, and RY₂₂ on the base member 221, it is possible to form the first bridge circuit BC21, the second bridge circuit BC22 and the third bridge circuit BC23 as closed circuits completed on the base member 221, respectively.

If the strain sensitive elements constructing a bridge circuit are printed on a base member while the fixed resistance elements constructing the bridge circuit are provided on the outside of the base member, for example, provided on the signal processing unit; in order to allow the bridge circuit be a closed circuit, it is necessary to connect the strain sensitive elements on the base member and the fixed resistance elements of the signal processing unit with lead wires, etc. In this case, the wires on the base member and the lead wires are connected by joining the lead wires to electrodes provided on the base member. However, in a case that junction resistances arise in the junction parts between the electrodes and the lead wires, then the junction resistances will become internal resistances of the bridge circuit to thereby cause a large error in the strain detection. Therefore, the method of junction is limited to the soldering junction in which the junction resistances are small to such an extent that the junction resistances are substantially neglectable.

However, in order to perform the soldering junctions satisfactorily, it is necessary to provide comparatively large electrodes on the base member, and to secure the pitch(es) between the electrodes. Therefore, the base member has to be large. Further, in order to perform the soldering junctions satisfactorily, it is necessary to pile up solder such that the solder has a certain level of thickness, this also hinders downsizing of the triaxial force sensor.

In contrast, in the second embodiment, each of the first bridge circuit BC21, the second bridge circuit BC22 and the third bridge circuit BC23 are formed as the closed circuit completed on the base member 221, such that the connection between the base member 221 and the signal processing unit via the terminals T₂₁ to T₂₈ is merely a junction for connecting the first bridge circuit BC21, the second bridge circuit BC22 and the third bridge circuit BC23 to the power source and the calculating unit. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the junction resistances are allowed to occur in the junction parts between the terminals T₂₁ to T₂₈ and the lead wires L₂₁ to L₂₈, thereby making it possible to adopt any other methods which is different from the soldering junction, such as for example the junction using an anisotropic conductive film. Note that by using the anisotropic conductive film, it is possible to suppress the size of electrodes, the pitch between the electrodes, and the thickness of the junction parts to be about 10% (one-tenth) of those of the soldering junction, respectively. Therefore, in a case that the downsizing of the triaxial force sensor 2000 is desired, the junction using the anisotropic conductive film is advantageous.

The effects brought about by the triaxial force sensor 2000 and the strain gage 220 of the second embodiment are as follows.

In the strain gage 220 of the second embodiment, the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁ and RX₂₂ of the first bridge circuit BC21 and the fixed resistance elements RY₂₁ and RY₂₂ of the second bridge circuit BC22 are formed on the base member 221, thereby making it possible to realize the effects described about in Items (2-2) and (2-3).

Furthermore, since the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁, RX₂₂, RY₂₁, and RY₂₂ are formed of the same material as the material forming the strain sensitive elements X₂₁, X₂₂, Y₂₁, and Y₂₂, it is possible to realize the effect described about in Item (2-1).

In the strain gage 220 of the second embodiment, the sensitive area 221 s is formed with only the strain sensitive elements X₂₁, X₂₂, Y₂₁, Y₂₂, Z₂₁, and Z₂₂, whereas the terminals T₂₁ to T₂₈ and the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁, RX₂₂, RY₂₁, and RY₂₂ are formed in the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2. Therefore, it is possible to make the diameter (size) of the sensitive area 221 s to be downsized or small, and consequently to make the flexure plate 211 of the triaxial force sensor 2000 to be small. Downsizing the flexure plate 211 leads to downsizing the triaxial force sensor 2000, which is preferred.

In the strain gage 220 of the second embodiment, since the electrodes T₂₁ to T₂₈ are provided in the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2, it is possible to increase the sizes of the electrodes T₂₁ to T₂₈ as necessary, without making the diameter of the sensitive area 221 s to be great, thereby making it possible to easily carry out an operation for junction with respect to the lead wires, etc.

Since the base member 221 of the strain gage 220 of the second embodiment has, between the sensitive area 221 s and the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2, the connecting areas 221 c 1 and 221 c 2 each having the width narrower than those of the sensitive area 221 s and the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2, it is possible to arrange the sensitive area 221 s and the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2 in a variety of kinds of aspects, without being restricted (regulated) by the connecting parts thereof with respect to the connecting parts 221 c 1 and 221 c 2.

The triaxial force sensor 2000 of the second embodiment is provided with the strain gage 220, and thus can achieve the similar effects as the strain gage 220.

With respect to the second embodiment described above, it is also possible to adopt modifications descried in the following.

In the strain gage 220, the strain sensitive elements Z₂₁ and Z₂₂ may be formed in the non-sensitive area 221 n 1 and/or non-sensitive area 221 n 2. In this case, since no flexure is generated in the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2, the strain sensitive elements Z₂₁ and Z₂₂ function substantially as fixed resistance elements (third-direction fixed resistance elements).

Even in a case that the strain sensitive elements Z₂₁ and Z₂₂ function as the fixed resistance elements, it is also possible to detect the load in the direction X with the first bridge circuit BC21 and detect the load in the direction Y with the second bridge circuit BC22, in a similar manner as in the above-described second embodiment. Further, it is also possible to detect the load in the direction Z. The reason for this is since, in a case that the load in the direction Z acts on the load receiving part 212 so as to generate the change in the resistance values of the strain sensitive elements X₂₁, X₂₂, Y₂₁, and Y₂₂, then this changes each of the combined resistance of the first bridge circuit BC21 and the combined resistance of the second bridge circuit BC22, which in turn also changes the balance of the resistance values between the elements of the third bridge circuit BC23 even if the resistance values of the strain sensitive elements Z₂₁ and Z₂₂ are constant.

It is allowable that the strain gage 220 does not have the strain sensitive elements Z₂₁ and Z₂₂. In such a case, for example, the first bridge circuit BC21 and the second bridge circuit BC22 are connected with two arc-like wires W2, rather than being connected with the strain sensitive elements Z₂₁ and Z₂₂.

Even in a case that the strain sensitive elements Z₂₁ and Z₂₂ are not provided or are omitted, it is also possible to detect the load in the direction X with the first bridge circuit BC21 and to detect the load in the direction Y with the second bridge circuit BC22, in a similar manner as in the above-described second embodiment. A strain gage 220 in such a modification can be used in a biaxial force sensor. Alternatively, it is also possible to link the first Wheatstone bridge circuit and the second Wheatstone bridge circuit, which are possessed by such a strain gage as in the modification, with the fixed resistance elements formed in the signal processing unit, to thereby construct a third Wheatstone bridge circuit so that the strain gage in this modification is usable in a triaxial force sensor.

In the strain gage 220, with respect to the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁, RX₂₂, RY₂₁ and RY₂₂ formed in the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2 of the base member 221, it is allowable to allow at least one of these elements to remain on the base member 221, and to provide the remainder of these elements on the outside of the base member 221, for example, on the signal processing unit. Also in such an aspect, by providing at least one of the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁ and RX₂₂ constructing the first bridge circuit BC11 and the fixed resistance elements RY₂₁ and RY₂₂ constructing the second bridge circuit BC22 in the non-sensitive area 221 n 1 and/or the non-sensitive area 221 n 2 on the base member 221, it is possible to realize the effect of suppressing the occurrence of the temperature error in the strain gage 220 and the triaxial force sensor 2000.

In the non-sensitive area 221 n 1 provided on one side in the direction y (the second direction) of the sensitive area 221 s, the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁ and RX₂₂ and the terminals T₂₁ to T₂₄ may be aligned in a row or array along the direction x (the first direction) orthogonal to the direction y (the second direction). In the non-sensitive area 221 n 2 provided on the other side in the direction y (the second direction) of the sensitive area 221 s, the fixed resistance elements RY₂₁ and RY₂₂ and the terminals T₂₅ to T₂₈ may also be aligned in a row along the direction x (the first direction) orthogonal to the direction y (the second direction). With this, it is possible to attach the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2 to a narrower part or portion; for example, it is possible to omit the holding plates 213 of the main body part 210, and to attach the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2 only to the lateral surface of the flexure plate 211.

As shown in FIG. 9, the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁ and RX₂₂ may be formed in a part, of the non-sensitive area 221 n 1, which is close to the sensitive area 221 s, whereas the terminals T₂₁ to T₂₄ may be formed in a part, of the non-sensitive area 221 n 1, which is far from the sensitive area 221 s. Namely, in the non-sensitive area 221 n 1, the terminals T₂₁ to T₂₄ may be arranged on an opposite side of the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁ and RX₂₂ from the sensitive area 221 s. This is similarly applicable also to the arrangement of the fixed resistance elements RY₂₁ and RY₂₂ and the terminals T₂₅ to T₂₈ in the non-sensitive area 221 n 2. By arranging the terminals T₂₁ to T₂₈ on the outside in this manner, the lead wires, etc., can be joined to the terminals 121 to 128 more easily.

Any one or more of the terminals T₂₁ to T₂₈ may be formed in the sensitive area 221 s. In this case, it is desirable to provide any one or more of the terminals T₂₁ to T₂₈ in the vicinity of the center c in which any one or more of the terminals T₂₁ to T₂₈ is/are attached at a location below or under the load receiving part 212 and in which any strain is less likely to be generated.

In the sensitive area 221 s, the strain sensitive elements Z₂₁ and Z₂₂ may be arranged on the side of the center c (on the inner side) of the strain sensitive elements X₂₁, X₂₂, Y₂₁, and Y₂₂. Further, the strain sensitive elements X₂₁, X₂₂, Y₂₁, and Y₂₂ may be each formed into an arc-like shape such that the width direction of the grid thereof may be the circumferential direction of the sensitive area 221 s. Such a strain gage 220 can be attached to the main body part 210 in which the load receiving 212 has a cylindrical shape with the rotating axis A2 as the center thereof, and can be used satisfactorily.

It is allowable that the base member 221 of the strain gage 220 has any shape such as a rectangular or elliptical shape not having the connecting areas 211 c 1 and 211 c 2, and that the base member 221 has only either one of the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2. In the base member 221 only having either one of the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2, it is allowable to form all of the fixed resistance elements RX₂₁, RX₂₂, RY₂₁, and RY₂₂ and the terminals T₂₁ to T₂₈ in that non-sensitive area which is either one of the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2. Other than those described above, the base member 221 may have any shape including the sensitive area to be attached to the flexure plate of the multiaxial force sensor, and the non-sensitive area to be arranged outside of that area.

The holding plates 213 of the main body part 210 may be flat plates extending parallel to the flexure plate 211 from the outer circumference of the flexure plate 211. In this case, the base member 221 of the strain gage 220 may be attached to the flexure plate 211 and the holding plates 213, without being bent or folded. Further, it is allowable that the main body part 210 does not have the holding plates 213. In this case, the entire areas of the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2 may be attached to the lateral surface 211 c of the flexure plate 211. Other than those described above, it is allowable that the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2 are not attached to the lateral surface 211 c of the flexure plate 211, or that the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2 are not attached to the main body part 210. The arrangement of the non-sensitive areas 221 n 1 and 221 n 2 in a state that the sensitive area 211 s is attached to the back surface 211 b of the flexure plate 211 may be determined as appropriate, depending on the shape of the main body part of the multiaxial force sensor and/or the application or usage of the multi-axis force sensor.

The strain gage 220 of the above-described second embodiment can also be used in a flexure member of any other sensor which is different from the multi-axis force sensor.

Third Embodiment

An explanation will be made on a third embodiment of the strain gage and the triaxial force sensor of the present invention, with a case in which they are applied to an electronic pen as examples thereof, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 14 mainly.

As shown in FIG. 10, an electronic pen 4000 includes tips 431 and 432, a triaxial force sensor 3000, a holder 433, a body 434, and a front cap 435.

The tip 431 is made from, for example, plastic and functions as a nib (a tip of the pen). The tip 432 is formed from, for example, SUS. One end of the tip 432 is connected to the tip 431 and the other end is connected to the triaxial force sensor 3000. In that configuration, a load from outside applied via the tip of the pen is measured by the triaxial force sensor 3000.

The holder 433 holds not only a signal processing circuit and a power source required for an operation of the triaxial force sensor 3000 but also a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) on which a variety of circuits are mounted. The body 434 covers part of the triaxial force sensor 3000 and the holder 433. The front cap 435 covers the remaining part of the triaxial force sensor 3000 and the tip 432.

Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the triaxial force sensor 3000 of the third embodiment has a main body part 310 rotationally symmetrical about an axis A3. The main body part 310 includes a flexure plate (plate-shaped flexure member) 311 which has a disc-shape and of which rotating axis is the axis A3; a load receiving part 312 upstanding, in an axis direction of the rotating axis, from a central part of a surface 311 a of the flexure plate 311; and a peripheral wall 313 upstanding, in the axis direction of the rotating axis, from a peripheral edge part of a back surface 311 b of the flexure plate 311. The load receiving part 312 is fitted into the tip 432 as shown in FIG. 10. The main body part 310 is formed, for example, integrally with a synthetic resin material.

In the explanation of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, two radial directions orthogonal to each other in the flexure plate 311 are referred to as a direction x (first direction) and a direction y (second direction), respectively, of the triaxial force sensor 3000 and the main body part 310. Further, a direction of the axis A3 orthogonal to the direction x and the direction y is referred to as a direction z (third direction) of the triaxial force sensor 3000 and the main body part 310.

The flexure plate 311 is a disc which is strained (distorted) in a case of receiving, via the load receiving part (load applied part) 312, a load applied from outside onto the triaxial force sensor 3000. The strain in the flexure plate 311 is generated or arises on the front surface 311 a and the back surface 311 b of the flexure plate 311 (in FIG. 11, upper and lower surfaces orthogonal to the axis A3), but does not arise or is small enough to be neglectable on the peripheral wall 313 (the peripheral or circumferential surface parallel to the axis A3 in FIG. 11). As described above, in this specification, the term “flexure area” is used to refer to an area which is strained by receiving an external load in the flexure plate 311, such as the front surface 311 a and the back surface 311 b of the flexure plate 311 in the third embodiment. The diameter and the thickness of the flexure plate 311 are arbitrary.

The load receiving part 312 receives a load from outside and thereby moves so as to generate a strain in the flexure plate 311. The load receiving part 312 is provided on the front surface 311 a of the flexure plate 311 such that its central axis is coincident with the rotating axis (axis A3) of the flexure plate 311, namely coaxially with the flexure plate 311.

The peripheral wall 313 upstands from the back surface 311 b of the flexure plate 311 along the outer circumference of the back surface 311 b, and surrounds the back surface 311 b. Although FIG. 11 illustrates a case in which an outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 313 is cylindrical, the peripheral wall 313 may be changed as follows. Namely, at one side or both sides in an x-axis direction of the peripheral wall 313, a planar part intersecting with (orthogonal to) the x-axis may be formed in the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 313. Or, at one side or both sides in a y-axis direction of the peripheral wall 313, a planar part intersecting with (orthogonal to) the y-axis may be formed in the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 313.

Especially, when the planar part is provided only at one side in the x-axis direction of the peripheral wall 313, the planar part can be provided only at one side in the y-axis direction of the peripheral wall 313 as well. In that case, two planar parts are provided for the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 313. When the planar parts are provided at both sides in the x-axis direction of the peripheral wall 313, the planar parts can be provided at both sides in the y-axis direction of the peripheral wall 313 as well. In that case, four planar parts are provided for the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 313.

The planar part(s) provided for the outer circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 313 as described above make(s) it possible to easily and reliably position (align) the main body part 310 (i.e., triaxial force sensor 3000) with respect to the holder 433 of the electric pen 4000, taking advantage of the planer part(s). The main body part 310 may be positioned (aligned) with respect to the holder 433 by providing an alignment mark in the peripheral wall 313 of which outer circumferential surface is cylindrical as in FIG. 11.

In a strain gage 320 according to the third embodiment, part (sensitive area 321 s) of a base member 321 (see FIG. 13) is attached or adhered to the back surface 311 b of the flexure plate 311, and remaining parts (non-sensitive areas 321 n 1, 321 n 2) are bent and attached to an inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 313.

FIG. 13 shows a state before the strain gage 320 is provided on or attached to the flexure plate 311 (an expansion or development view). As shown in FIG. 13, the strain gage 320 includes the base member 321 and a circuit pattern CP3 printed on a surface of the base member 321. The base member 321 has the sensitive area 321 s, and the non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2 interposing or sandwiching the sensitive area 321 s therebetween. The circuit pattern CP3 includes six strain sensitive elements X₃₁, X₃₂, Y₃₁, Y₃₂, Z₃₁, and Z₃₂, four fixed resistance elements RX₃₁, RX₃₂, RY₃₁, and RY₃₂, eight terminals T₃₁ to T₁₅, and a wire W3 connecting those members. Note that in the following explanation, a direction y (second direction) refers to a direction in which the non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2 sandwich the sensitive area 321 s therebetween, whereas a direction x (first direction) refers to a direction orthogonal to the direction y on the surface of the base member 321.

The base member 321 is a flexible resin film and has the sensitive area 321 s which is circular and which is arranged in the center of the base member 321, a pair of non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2 sandwiching the sensitive area 321 s therebetween, and a pair of connecting areas 321 c 1 and 321 c 2 which connect or join the pair of non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2 to the sensitive area 321 s, respectively. It is preferred that the resin film used is a resin film which is highly flexible and bendable so that the resin film is easily foldable and bendable; specific examples of the usable resin film include polyester, polyimide, etc. Further, although it is also possible to form the sensitive area 321 s, the non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2, and the connecting areas 321 c 1 and 321 c 2 with mutually different materials, it is desirable to form those members with a same material such that the temperature property (temperature coefficient of resistance, etc.) is uniform across all the areas. Further, in such a case, it is also desirable to form the base member 321 by integrally cutting out the sensitive area 321 s, the non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2, and the connecting areas 321 c 1 and 321 c 2 from vicinal parts of an integrally formed material (for example, a sheet of polyester, polyimide, etc.). By virtue of this, it is possible to further uniformize the temperature properties of the respective areas.

Since the sensitive area 321 s is an area to be attached or adhered to the back surface 311 b of the flexure plate 311 of the main body part 310, the sensitive area 321 s has a diameter equivalent to or smaller than that of the back surface 311 b of the flexure plate 311. On one surface of the sensitive area 321 s, there are formed the strain sensitive elements X₃₁ and X₃₂ (first-direction strain sensitive elements) with a center c being sandwiched therebetween in the direction x, the strain sensitive elements Y₃₁ and Y₃₂ (second-direction strain sensitive elements) with the center c being sandwiched therebetween in the direction y, and the strain sensitive elements Z₃₁ and Z₃₂ (third-direction strain sensitive elements) along the outer circumference.

The strain sensitive elements X₃₁ and X₃₂ have arc-like shapes respectively and are formed to face each other in the direction x, in a state that the width direction of grid thereof is consistent with the circumferential direction that is along the outline of the load receiving part 312 indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 13. The strain sensitive elements X₃₁ and X₃₂ are formed at positions equidistant from the center c respectively (a distance between the center c and the strain sensitive element X₃₁ and the distance between the center c and the strain sensitive element X₃₂ are identical).

The strain sensitive elements Y₃₁ and Y₃₂ have arc-like shapes respectively and are formed to face each other in the direction y, in a state that the width direction of grid thereof is consistent with the circumferential direction that is along the outline of the load applying unit 312. The strain sensitive elements Y₃₁ and Y₃₂ are formed at positions equidistant from the center c respectively (a distance between the center c and the strain sensitive element Y₃₁ and the distance between the center c and the strain sensitive element Y₃₂ are identical).

The strain sensitive elements Z₃₁ and Z₃₂ have arc-like shapes respectively and are formed to face each other in the direction x, in a state that the width direction of grid thereof is consistent with the circumferential direction of the sensitive area 321 s. The strain sensitive elements Z₃₁ and Z₃₂ are arranged on an opposite side of the strain sensitive elements X₃₁, X₃₂, Y₃₁, and Y₃₂ from the center c (outside of the strain sensitive elements X₃₁, X₃₂, Y₃₁, and Y₃₂).

The pair of non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2 are shaped to interpose the sensitive area 321 s in the direction y. Each of the pair of non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2 has a rectangular shape in which the direction x is the long side direction and the direction y is the short side direction.

Fixed resistance elements RX₃₁ and RX₃₂ (first-direction fixed resistance elements) are formed in an area (a part) of the surface of the non-sensitive area 321 n 1, which is far from the sensitive area 321 s, so that each of the fixed resistance elements RX₃₁ and RX₃₂ extends in the direction x and that the fixed resistance elements RX₃₁ and RX₃₂ are aligned in the direction x; on the other hand, four terminals T₃₁, T₃₂, T₃₃, and T₃₄ are formed in an area (a part), of the surface of the non-sensitive area 321 n 1, which is close to the sensitive area 321 s, so that the terminals T₃₁, T₃₂, T₃₃ and T₃₄ are aligned in the direction x. Namely, in the non-sensitive area 321 n 1, the fixed resistance elements RX₃₁ and RX₃₂ are arranged on an opposite side of the terminals T₃₁ to T₃₄ from the sensitive area 321 s.

Similarly, fixed resistance elements RY₃₁ and RY₃₂ (second-direction fixed resistance elements) are formed in an area (a part), of the surface of the non-sensitive area 321 n 2, which is far from the sensitive area 321 s, so that each of the fixed resistance elements RY₃₁ and RY₃₂ extends in the direction x and that the fixed resistance elements RY₃₁ and RY₃₂ are aligned in the direction x; on the other hand, four terminals T₃₅, T₃₆, T₃₇, and T₃₈ are formed in an area (a part), of the surface of the non-sensitive area 321 n 2, which is close to the sensitive area 321 s, so that the terminals 135, 136, 137 and 138 are aligned in the direction x. Namely, in the non-sensitive area 321 n 2, the fixed resistance elements RY₃₁ and RY₃₂ are arranged on an opposite side of the terminals T₃₅ to T₃₈ from the sensitive area 321 s.

The connecting areas 321 c 1 and 321 c 2 connecting the non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2 to the sensitive area 321 s, respectively, each have a size (width) in the direction x (orthogonal direction), orthogonal to the direction y in which the non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2 are connected to the sensitive area 321 s, which is smaller than a size (width) in the direction x of each of the sensitive area 321 s and the non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2. Accordingly, the base member 321 has a shape which is constricted at the connecting areas 321 c 1 and 321 c 2.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the wire W3 connects the strain sensitive elements X₃₁ and X₃₂ and the fixed resistance elements RX₃₁ and RX₃₂ to construct a first bridge circuit BC31 (first Wheatstone bridge circuit). Further, the terminal 131 is connected between the strain sensitive element X₃₁ and the fixed resistance element RX₃₁, the terminal 132 is connected between the strain sensitive elements X₃₁ and X₃₂, the terminal 133 is connected between the fixed resistance elements RX₃₁ and RX₃₂, and the terminal T₃₄ is connected between the strain sensitive element X₃₂ and the fixed resistance element RX₃₂.

Similarly, the wire W3 connects the strain sensitive elements Y₃₁ and Y₃₂ and the fixed resistance elements RY₃₁ and RY₃₂ to construct a second bridge circuit BC32 (second Wheatstone bridge circuit). Further, the terminal T₁₅ is connected between the strain sensitive element Y₃₁ and the fixed resistance element RY₃₁, the terminal 136 is connected between the strain sensitive elements Y₃₁ and Y₃₂, the terminal 137 is connected between the fixed resistance elements RY₃₁ and RY₃₂, and the terminal 135 is connected between the strain sensitive element Y₃₂ and the fixed resistance element RY₃₂.

One end of the strain sensitive element Z₃₁ is connected to the first bridge circuit BC31 between the strain sensitive element X₃₁ and the fixed resistance element RX₃₁, whereas the other end of the strain sensitive element Z₃₁ is connected to the second bridge circuit BC32 between the strain sensitive element Y₃₁ and the fixed resistance element RY₃₁. Similarly, one end of the strain sensitive element Z₃₂ is connected to the first bridge circuit BC31 between the strain sensitive element X₃₂ and the fixed resistance element RX₃₂, whereas the other end of the strain sensitive element Z₃₂ is connected to the second bridge circuit BC32 between the strain sensitive element Y₃₂ and the fixed resistance element RY₃₂. By virtue of this, a third bridge circuit BC33 (third Wheatstone bridge circuit) is constructed with the first bridge circuit BC31 and the second bridge circuit BC32 on one pair of opposite sides respectively, and with the strain sensitive elements Z₃₁ and Z₃₂ on the other pair of opposite sides respectively.

The strain sensitive elements X₃₁, X₃₂, Y₃₁, Y₃₂, Z₃₁, and Z₃₂ and the fixed resistance elements RX₃₁, RX₃₂, RY₃₁, and RY₃₂ and the wire W3 included in the circuit pattern CP3 are formed from the same material, or preferably formed from vicinal parts in one material. This material is, for example, copper, a copper alloy such as copper nickel or the like, etc. It is possible to carry out the print of the circuit pattern CP3 on the base member 321 by way of photoetching, printing, evaporation, sputtering, etc.

As shown in FIG. 12, the strain gage 320 is attached to the main body part 310 such that the surface of the base member 321 on a side opposite to the surface of the base member 321 formed with the circuit pattern CP3 may be in contact with the back surface 311 b of the main body part 310.

Specifically, the sensitive area 321 s of the base member 321 is attached to the back surface 311 b of the flexure plate 311 such that the direction x and the direction y of the base member 321 are coincident with the direction x and the direction y of the main body part 310, respectively, and that the center c is coincident with the axis A3. Namely, the sensitive area 321 s is attached to the flexure area of the flexure plate 311 where a strain arises in a case of receiving the load. Therefore, in a state that the sensitive area 321 s of the base member 321 is attached to the flexure plate 311, the strain sensitive elements X₃₁ and X₃₂ and the strain sensitive elements Y₃₁ and Y₃₂ are arranged in areas which are arranged on the outside of the load receiving part 312 in the direction x and/or the direction y and in each of which a comparatively large strain is generated.

The pair of non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2 of the base member 321 are folded or bent and attached to the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall 313. Namely, the non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2 are provided on the outside of the flexure area. Accordingly, the terminals T₃₁, T₃₂, T₃₃, and T₃₄ formed in the non-sensitive area 321 n 1 and the terminals T₃₅, T₃₆, T₃₇, and T₃₈ formed in the non-sensitive area 321 n 2 are exposed to the inside of the peripheral wall 313, while facing or being oriented toward the inside in the radial direction of the peripheral wall 313.

Next, an explanation will be made on a method for using the triaxial force sensor 3000 and the strain gage 320 according to the third embodiment, and an operation thereof.

In a case that the triaxial force sensor 3000 is used in the electronic pen 4000, the load receiving part 312 is first fitted in the nib (the tip of the pen, i.e., the tip 432). Next, the terminals TH to TH are connected respectively to a signal processing circuit (not shown) by using lead wires L₃₁ to L₃₈. It is possible to connect the terminal T₃₁ to T₃₈ and the lead wires L₃₁ to L₃₈ by an arbitrary method. For example, it is possible to use a solder or an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) therefor.

The terminals T₃₁ and T₃₅ are connected, with the lead wires L₃₁ and L₃₅, respectively, to the power source (not shown). The terminals T₃₂ and T₃₃, the terminals T₃₆ and T₃₇ and the terminals TH and TH are connected, with the lead wires L₃₂ and L₃₃, the lead wires L₃₆ and L₃₇ and the lead wires L₃₄ and L₃₈, respectively, to a calculating unit (not shown) in the signal processing circuit via an amplifier (not shown) in the signal processing circuit.

In a case that the triaxial force sensor 3000 is operating, an input voltage Ei is applied between the terminal T₃₁ and the terminal TH by the power source. The resistance value of each of the strain sensitive elements constructing the first bridge circuit BC31, the second bridge circuit BC32 and the third bridge circuit BC33 and the resistance value of each of the fixed resistance elements constructing the first bridge circuit BC31, the second bridge circuit BC32 and the third bridge circuit BC33 have been adjusted so that the voltages are equal or uniform between the terminals T₃₂ and T₃₃, that the voltages are equal between the terminals T₃₆ and T₃₇, and that the voltages are equal between the terminals T₃₄ and T₃₈, in a state that the sensitive area 321 s of the base member 321 has no flexure.

Therefore, in a state that the flexure plate 311 has no strain and that the sensitive area 321 s has no flexure as shown in FIG. 3(a), there is no difference in the potential between the terminals T₃₂ and T₃₃, between the terminals T₃₆ and T₃₇, and between the terminals T₃₄ and T₃₈, and thus the calculating unit does not calculate the strain.

Next, in a case that a load in the direction X is applied to the load receiving part 312 as shown in FIG. 3(b), the load receiving part 312 receives the load and thus moves to cause a strain to be generated in the flexure plate 311. On this occasion, the sensitive area 321 s of the base member 321 of the strain gage 320 attached to the flexure plate 311 also flexes integrally with the flexure plate 311, so as to cause a compressive strain to be generated in the strain sensitive element X₃₁ and to cause a tensile strain (an elongation strain) to be generated in the strain sensitive element X₃₂.

By virtue of this, each of the resistance values of the strain sensitive elements X₃₁ and X₃₂ is changed to thereby generate a potential difference (a difference in the potential) between the terminals T₃₂ and T₃₃ of the first bridge circuit BC31 including the strain sensitive elements X₃₁ and X₃₂. Based on this potential difference, the calculating unit obtains the amount of the strain generated in the flexure plate 311 so as to obtain magnitude of the load in the direction c acting on the load receiving unit 312. Note that on this occasion, no strain is generated in the peripheral wall 313, due to which the resistance values of the fixed resistance elements RX₃₁ and RX₃₂ are constant.

Also in a case that a load in the direction y is applied to the load receiving part 312, the magnitude of the load in the direction y acting on the load receiving part 312 is obtained in a similar manner as described above.

In a case that a load in the direction z is applied to the load receiving part 312, tensile strains are generated in all the strain sensitive elements X₃₁, X₃₂, Y₃₁, Y₃₂, Z₃₁, and Z₃₂ since the flexure plate 311 and the sensitive area 321 s of the base member 321 are curved such that the centers thereof are projected. By virtue of this, each of the combined resistance of the first bridge circuit BC31, the combined resistance of the second bridge circuit BC32, and the resistance values of the strain sensitive elements Z₃₁ and Z₃₂ is changed to thereby generate a potential difference between the terminals T₃₄ and T₁₅ of the third bridge circuit BC33. Based on this potential difference, the calculating unit obtains the amount of the strain generated in the flexure plate 311 so as to obtain the magnitude of the load in the direction z acting on the load receiving part 312.

Hereinbelow, an explanation will be given on the significance of printing, on the base member 321, the fixed resistance elements RX₃₁ and RX₃₂ of the first bridge circuit BC31 and the fixed resistance elements RY₃₁ and RY₃₂ of the second bridge circuit BC32 and of forming the fixed resistance elements RX₃₁ and RX₃₂ of the first bridge circuit BC31 and the fixed resistance elements RY₃₁ and RY₃₂ of the second bridge circuit BC32 with a same material as that forming the strain sensitive elements X₃₁, X₃₂, Y₃₁, Y₃₂, Z₃₁, and Z₃₂.

(3-1) By forming the fixed resistance elements RX₃₁, RX₃₂, RY₃₁, and RY₃₂ in the above-described manner, the fixed resistance elements RX₃₁, RX₃₂, RY₃₁ and RY₃₂ are formed from the same material as the strain sensitive elements X₃₁, X₃₂, Y₃₁, Y₃₂, Z₃₁, and Z₃₂, and at the positions in the vicinity thereof. Here, the temperature coefficient of resistance indicating a change ratio of the resistance value with respect to the change in the temperature (temperature change) is a physical property value depending on the material; therefore, in the third embodiment, the temperature coefficient of resistance is equal among all the strain sensitive elements and all the fixed resistance elements. Further, since the fixed resistance elements RX₃₁, RX₃₂, RY₃₁, and RY₃₂ are formed on the base member 321 and at the locations in the vicinity of the strain sensitive elements X₃₁, X₃₂, Y₃₁, Y₃₂, Z₃₁, and Z₃₂, the changes in the ambient temperature each affecting each of the strain sensitive elements and each of the fixed resistance elements are substantially the same. Therefore, in a case that any change arises in the ambient temperature, the resistance values of all the strain sensitive elements and the resistance values of all the fixed resistance elements change at a same ratio.

In each of the first bridge circuit BC31, the second bridge circuit BC32 and the third bridge circuit BC33, in a case that the balance of the resistance values changes between the resistance elements (the strain sensitive elements and the fixed resistance elements) included therein, then any potential differences arise between the terminals T₃₂ and T₃₃, between terminals T₃₆ and T₃₇, and between the terminals T₃₄ and T₃₈, based on which strains are detected. Therefore, in a case that the balance changes between the resistance values of the strain sensitive elements and the resistance values of the fixed resistance elements due to a change in ambient temperature, any measuring error might be generated due to this change in the balance. In the third embodiment, however, in a case that the ambient temperature changes, the resistance values of all the strain sensitive elements and the resistance values of all the fixed resistance elements change at the same ratio. Therefore, even in a case that the ambient temperature changes, the balance of the resistance values does not change between the respective elements, thereby suppressing the measuring error from occurring. Note that in the formation of the circuit pattern CP3, in a case that vicinal parts of the material (copper, a copper alloy, etc.) prepared as an integral block are used to form the strain sensitive elements, etc., it is possible to further make the temperature coefficients of resistance of the strain sensitive elements X₃₁, X₃₂, Y₃₁, Y₃₂, Z₃₁, and Z₃₂, the fixed resistance elements RX₃₁, RX₃₂, RY₃₁, and RY₃₂, and the wire W3 to be further uniform, thereby making it possible to more satisfactorily suppress the occurrence of the measuring error.

(3-2) As in the third embodiment, in a case that the fixed resistance elements RX₃₁ and RX₃₂ of the first bridge circuit BC31 and the fixed resistance elements RY₃₁ and RY₃₂ of the second bridge circuit BC32 are formed in the non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2 of the base member 321 and that the non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2 are attached or adhered to a part, of the main body part 310, at which any strain is not generated (a part on the outside of the flexure area), it is possible to thereby cause the fixed resistance elements RX₃₁, RX₃₂, RY₃₁, and RY₃₂ to function as dummy gages for the purpose of temperature compensation. Therefore, even in a case that any expansion or contraction is generated in the main body part 310 including the flexure plate 311 due to any change in the ambient temperature, it is also possible to suppress the occurrence of a measuring error by compensating the change in the resistance values of the strain sensitive elements X₃₁, X₃₂, Y₃₁, and Y₃₂ due to the expansion or the contraction.

(3-3) By printing and forming the fixed resistance elements RX₃₁, RX₃₂, RY₃₁, and RY₃₂ on the base member 321, it is possible to form each of the first bridge circuit BC31, the second bridge circuit BC32 and the third bridge circuit BC33 as closed circuits completed on the base member 321.

There is presumed such a case that the strain sensitive elements constructing a bridge circuit are printed on a base member while the fixed resistance elements constructing the bridge circuit are provided on the outside of the base member, for example, provided on the signal processing circuit; in such a case, in order to allow the bridge circuit be a closed circuit, it is necessary to connect the strain sensitive elements on the base member and the fixed resistance elements of the signal processing unit with lead wires, etc. In this case, the wires on the base member and the lead wires are connected by joining the lead wires to electrodes provided on the base member. However, in a case that junction resistances arise in the junction parts between the electrodes and the lead wires, then the junction resistances will become internal resistances of the bridge circuit to thereby cause a large error in the strain detection. Therefore, the method of junction is limited to the soldering junction in which the junction resistances are small to such an extent that the junction resistances are substantially neglectable.

However, in order to perform the soldering junctions satisfactorily, it is necessary to provide comparatively large electrodes on the base member, and to secure the pitch(es) between the electrodes. Therefore, the base member has to be large. Further, in order to perform the soldering junctions satisfactorily, it is necessary to pile up solder such that the solder has a certain level of thickness, this also hinders downsizing of the triaxial force sensor.

In view of the above situations, the third embodiment forms each of the first bridge circuit BC31, the second bridge circuit BC32 and the third bridge circuit BC33 as the closed circuit completed on the base member 321, such that the connection between the base member 321 and the signal processing unit via the terminals T₃₁ to T₃₈ is merely a junction for connecting the first bridge circuit BC31, the second bridge circuit BC32 and the third bridge circuit BC33 to the power source and the calculating unit. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the junction resistances are allowed to occur in the junction parts between the terminals T₃₁ to T₃₈ and the lead wires L₃₁ to L₃₈, thereby making it possible to adopt any other methods which is different from the soldering junction, such as for example the junction using an anisotropic conductive film. Note that by using the anisotropic conductive film, it is possible to suppress the size of electrodes, the pitch between the electrodes, and the thickness of the junction parts to be about 10% (one-tenth) of those of the soldering junction, respectively. Therefore, in a case that the downsizing of the triaxial force sensor 3000 is desired, the junction using the anisotropic conductive film is advantageous.

The effects brought about by the triaxial force sensor 3000 and the strain gage 320 of the third embodiment are as follows.

In the strain gage 320, the fixed resistance elements RX₃₁ and RX₃₂ of the first bridge circuit BC31 and the fixed resistance elements RY₃₁ and RY₃₂ of the second bridge circuit BC32 are formed on the base member 321, thereby making it possible to realize the effects described about in Items (3-2) and (3-3). Furthermore, since the fixed resistance elements RX₃₁, RX₃₂, RY₃₁, and RY₃₂ are formed of the same material as the material forming the strain sensitive elements X₃₁, X₃₂, Y₃₁, and Y₃₂, it is possible to realize the effect described about in Item (3-1).

In the strain gage 320, the sensitive area 321 s is formed with only the strain sensitive elements X₃₁, X₃₂, Y₃₁, Y₃₂, Z₃₁, and Z₃₂, whereas the terminals T₃₁ to T₁₅ and the fixed resistance elements RX₃₁, RX₃₂, RY₃₁, and RY₃₂ are formed in the non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2. Therefore, it is possible to make the diameter (size) of the sensitive area 321 s to be downsized or small, and further to make the flexure plate 311 of the triaxial force sensor 3000 to be small. Downsizing the flexure plate 311 leads to downsizing the triaxial force sensor 3000, which is preferred.

In the strain gage 320, since the terminals T₃₁ to T₁₅ are provided in the non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2, it is possible to increase the sizes of the terminals T₃₁ to T₁₅ as necessary, without making the diameter of the sensitive area 321 s to be large, thereby making it possible to easily carry out an operation for junction with respect to the lead wires, etc.

Since the base member 321 of the strain gage 320 of the third embodiment has, between the sensitive area 321 s and the non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2, the connecting areas 321 c 1 and 321 c 2 each having the width narrower than those of the sensitive area 321 s and the non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2, it is possible to arrange the sensitive area 321 s and the non-sensitive areas 321 n 1 and 321 n 2 in a variety of kinds of aspects, without being restricted (regulated) by the connecting parts thereof with respect to the connecting parts 321 c 1 and 321 c 2.

The triaxial force sensor 3000 and the electronic pen 4000 of the third embodiment are provided with the strain gage 320, and thus can achieve the similar effects as the strain gage 320.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments, provided that characteristics of the present invention can be obtained. The present invention includes any other embodiments which can be conceived in the range of technical ideas of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The strain gage and the multiaxial force sensor of the present invention can inhibit the effect of temperature change in load detection, and can contribute to the improvement of stability and reliability in robots, game devices, various measuring devices, and other devices.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   111, 211, 311: flexure plate (flexure member); 112, 212, 312:         load receiving part; 120, 220, 320: strain gage; 121, 221, 321:         base member; 121 s, 221 s, 321 s: sensitive area; 121 n 1, 121 n         2, 221 n 1, 221 n 2, 321 n 1, 321 n 2: non-sensitive area; BC11,         BC21, BC31: first bridge circuit (first Wheatstone bridge         circuit); BC12, BC22, BC32: second bridge circuit (second         Wheatstone bridge circuit); BC13, BC23, BC33: third bridge         circuit (third Wheatstone bridge circuit); RX₁₁, RX₁₂, RX₂₁,         RX₂₂, RX₃₁, RX₃₂: fixed resistance element (first-direction         fixed resistance element); RY₁₁, RY₁₂, RY₂₁, RY₂₂, RY₃₁, RY₃₂:         fixed resistance element (second-direction fixed resistance         element); T₁₁ to T₁₈, T₂₁ to T₂₈, T₃₁ to T₃₈: terminal; X₁₁,         X₁₂, X₂₁, X₂₂, X₃₁, X₃₂: strain sensitive element         (first-direction strain sensitive element); Y₁₁, Y₁₂, Y₂₁, Y₂₂,         Y₃₁, Y₃₂: strain sensitive element (second-direction strain         sensitive element); Z₁₁, Z₁₂, Z₂₁, Z₂₂, Z₃₁, Z₃₂: strain         sensitive element (third-direction strain sensitive element) 

1. A strain gage configured to be attached to a flexure member so as to be used in a detection of a load applied to the flexure member in a first direction with a first Wheatstone bridge circuit and a detection of a load applied to the flexure member in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction with a second Wheatstone bridge circuit, the flexure member being configured to be strained under a load, the strain gage comprising: a base member; and a circuit pattern formed on the base member, wherein the base member has a sensitive area configured to be attached to a flexure area of the flexure member and a non-sensitive area configured to be arranged outside of the flexure area, the flexure area being configured to be strained under the load; the circuit pattern includes two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements configured to construct the first Wheatstone bridge circuit, two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements configured to construct the second Wheatstone bridge circuit, and at least one of a first-direction fixed resistance element configured to construct the first Wheatstone bridge circuit and a second-direction fixed resistance element configured to construct the second Wheatstone bridge circuit; the two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements, the two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements, and the at least one of the first-direction fixed resistance element and the second-direction fixed resistance element are formed of a same material; and the two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements and the two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements are formed in the sensitive area, and the at least one of the first-direction fixed resistance element and the second-direction fixed resistance element is formed in the non-sensitive area.
 2. The strain gage according to claim 1, wherein the circuit pattern includes two pieces of first-direction fixed resistance elements configured to construct the first Wheatstone bridge circuit and two pieces of second-direction fixed resistance elements configured to construct the second Wheatstone bridge circuit; the two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements, the two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements, the two pieces of first-direction fixed resistance elements and the two pieces of second-direction fixed resistance elements are formed of the same material; and the two pieces of first-direction fixed resistance elements and the two pieces of second-direction fixed resistance elements are formed in the non-sensitive area.
 3. The strain gage according to claim 1, wherein the circuit pattern further includes at least one terminal formed in the non-sensitive area.
 4. The strain gage according to claim 3, wherein, in the non-sensitive area, the at least one terminal is provided on an opposite side of the at least one of the first-direction fixed resistance element and the second-direction fixed resistance element from the sensitive area.
 5. The strain gage according to claim 1, wherein the non-sensitive area is a pair of areas provided on both sides of the sensitive area.
 6. The strain gage according to claim 1, wherein the circuit pattern further includes two pieces of third-direction strain sensitive elements or two pieces of third-direction fixed resistance elements; and the two pieces of third-direction strain sensitive elements or the two pieces of third-direction fixed resistance elements are configured to connect the first and second Wheatstone bridge circuits so as to construct a third Wheatstone bridge circuit.
 7. The strain gage according to claim 1, wherein the base member has flexibility; the base member further has a connecting area configured to connect the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area; and a size of the connecting area in an orthogonal direction is smaller than sizes of the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area in the orthogonal direction, the orthogonal direction being orthogonal to a direction along which the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area are connected.
 8. The strain gage according to claim 1, wherein the strain gage is further configured to be used in a detection of a load applied to the flexure member in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions with a third Wheatstone bridge circuit; the base member has flexibility; the non-sensitive area of the base member is a pair of areas; the base member further has a connecting area configured to connect the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area; a size of the connecting area in an orthogonal direction is smaller than sizes of the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area in the orthogonal direction, the orthogonal direction being orthogonal to a direction along which the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area are connected; the circuit pattern includes two pieces of third-direction strain sensitive elements which is formed in the sensitive area and which is configured to construct the third Wheatstone bridge circuit, two pieces of first-direction fixed resistance elements which is formed in the non-sensitive area and which is configured to construct the first Wheatstone bridge circuit, and two pieces of second-direction fixed resistance elements which is formed in the non-sensitive area and which is configured to construct the second Wheatstone bridge circuit; the two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements, the two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements, the two pieces of third-direction strain sensitive elements, the two pieces of first-direction fixed resistance elements and the two pieces of second-direction fixed resistance elements are formed of the same material; and the two pieces of third-direction strain sensitive elements are configured to connect the first and second Wheatstone bridge circuits so as to construct the third Wheatstone bridge circuit.
 9. A multi-axis force sensor comprising: a flexure plate; a load receiving part connected to the flexure plate; and the strain gage as defined in claim 1 attached to the flexure plate.
 10. A strain gage configured to be attached to a flexure member so as to be used in a detection of a load applied to the flexure member in a first direction with a first Wheatstone bridge circuit and detect a load applied to the flexure member in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction with a second Wheatstone bridge circuit, the flexure member being configured to be strained under a load, the strain gage comprising: a base member having a flexibility; and a circuit pattern formed on the base member, wherein the base member has a sensitive area configured to be attached to a flexure area of the flexure member, a non-sensitive area configured to be arranged outside of the flexure area, and a connecting area configured to connect the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area, the flexure area being configured to be strained under the load; a size of the connection area in an orthogonal direction is smaller than sizes of the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area in the orthogonal direction, the orthogonal direction being orthogonal to a direction along which the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area are connected; the circuit pattern includes two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements configured to construct the first Wheatstone bridge circuit, two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements configured to construct the second Wheatstone bridge circuit, and at least one of a first-direction fixed resistance element configured to construct the first Wheatstone bridge circuit and a second-direction fixed resistance element configured to construct the second Wheatstone bridge circuit; the two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements, the two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements, and the at least one of the first-direction fixed resistance element and the second-direction fixed resistance element are formed of a same material; the two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements and the two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements are formed in the sensitive area; and the at least one of the first-direction fixed resistance element and the second-direction fixed resistance element is formed in the non-sensitive area.
 11. The strain gage according to claim 10, wherein the circuit pattern includes two pieces of first-direction fixed resistance elements configured to construct the first Wheatstone bridge circuit and two pieces of second-direction fixed resistance elements configured to construct the second Wheatstone bridge circuit; the two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements, the two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements, the two pieces of first-direction fixed resistance elements and the two pieces of second-direction fixed resistance elements are formed of the same material; and the two pieces of first-direction fixed resistance elements and the two pieces of second-direction fixed resistance elements are formed in the non-sensitive area.
 12. The strain gage according to claim 10, wherein the circuit pattern further includes at least one terminal formed in the non-sensitive area.
 13. The strain gage according to claim 12, wherein, in the non-sensitive area, the at least one terminal is provided on an opposite side of the at least one of the first-direction fixed resistance element and the second-direction fixed resistance element from the sensitive area.
 14. The strain gage according to claim 10, wherein the non-sensitive area is a pair of areas provided on both sides of the sensitive area.
 15. The strain gage according to claim 10, wherein the circuit pattern further includes two pieces of third-direction strain sensitive elements or two pieces of third-direction fixed resistance elements; and the two pieces of third-direction strain sensitive elements or the two pieces of third-direction fixed resistance elements are configured to connect the first and second Wheatstone bridge circuits so as to construct a third Wheatstone bridge circuit.
 16. A multi-axis force sensor comprising: a flexure plate; a load receiving part connected to the flexure plate; and the strain gage as defined in claim 10 attached to the flexure plate.
 17. The multi-axis force sensor according to claim 16, wherein the non-sensitive area of the base member of the strain gage is attached to a side surface of the flexure plate.
 18. A strain gage configured to be attached to a flexure member so as to be used in a detection of a load applied to the flexure member in a first direction with a first Wheatstone bridge circuit, a detection of a load applied to the flexure member in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction with a second Wheatstone bridge circuit and, a detection of a load applied to the flexure member in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions with a third Wheatstone bridge circuit, the flexure member being configured to be strained under a load, the strain gage comprising: a base member having a flexibility; and a circuit pattern formed on the base member, wherein the base member has a sensitive area configured to be attached to a flexure area of the flexure member and a pair of non-sensitive areas configured to be arranged outside of the flexure area, and a connection area configured to connect the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area, the flexure area being configured to be strained under the load; a size of the connection area in an orthogonal direction is smaller than sizes of the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area in the orthogonal direction, the orthogonal direction being orthogonal to a direction along which the sensitive area and the non-sensitive area are connected; the circuit pattern includes two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements configured to construct the first Wheatstone bridge circuit, two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements configured to construct the second Wheatstone bridge circuit, two pieces of third-direction strain sensitive elements configured to construct the third Wheatstone bridge circuit, two pieces of first-direction fixed resistance elements configured to construct the first Wheatstone bridge circuit, and two pieces of second-direction fixed resistance elements configured to construct the second Wheatstone bridge circuit; the first-direction strain sensitive element, the second-direction strain sensitive element, the third-direction strain sensitive element, the first-direction fixed resistance element and the second-direction fixed resistance element are formed of a same material; the first-direction strain sensitive element, the second-direction strain sensitive element and the third-direction strain sensitive element are formed in the sensitive area; the first-direction fixed resistance element and the second-direction fixed resistance element are formed in the non-sensitive area; and the third-direction strain sensitive element is configured to connect the first and second Wheatstone bridge circuits so as to construct the third Wheatstone bridge circuit.
 19. A triaxial force sensor comprising: the strain gage as defined in claim 18; the flexure member having a plate-shape; and a load receiving part connected to the flexure member.
 20. The triaxial force sensor according to claim 19 further comprising a peripheral wall which upstands from a circumferential edge of a first surface of the flexure member in the third direction, the first surface being opposite to a second surface of the flexure member to which the load receiving part is connected, and wherein the non-sensitive area is attached to an inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall. 